Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence Mariusz Blaszczak met with President Volodymyr Zelenski and Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov in Kyiv. The topic of discussion was support for Ukraine and the security situation in the context of Russian aggression.

“The value of the support we have provided to Ukraine is one billion seven hundred million dollars. This is the support that matters. We are at the forefront of countries that support Ukraine and we believe it is in Poland’s interest”, said Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence Mariusz Blaszczak as cited in the website of the Ministry of National Defence (MON).

The defence ministers of Poland and Ukraine signed a letter of intent addressed to the defence ministers of NATO countries and partners to increase support for Ukraine.

“Russia is a threat to Poland. Therefore, we want to be neighbours with a free Ukraine and not with Russia – that is why we support Ukraine. As the Ukrainian Defence Minister said today, our cooperation started even before the war broke out. I proposed to equip the Ukrainian army with Piorun systems and they have passed the test in the hands of the brave Ukrainian soldiers, they defend the airspace over Ukraine, which I am very pleased about’ said Minister Blaszczak.

The head of the Polish defence ministry also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski. The talks concerned current Polish-Ukrainian cooperation and the situation on the frontline.

“I am very pleased that current relations between our countries are so good. We have welcomed Ukrainians. Women and children who have found refuge in our country. This is the proof of our friendship and good neighbourly relations and a big capital when it comes to the future” noted the Deputy Prime Minister.

The head of the Ministry of Defence was also in Irpin, a town in Ukraine that was completely destroyed during the Russian invasion. The Deputy Prime Minister also laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of those who died for Ukraine at St Michael’s Cathedral in Kyiv.

Arkadiusz Slomczynski