On Tuesday, July the 12th 2022, Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, visited Kiev, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov.

"Russia is a threat to Poland. Therefore, we want to be neighbours with free Ukraine, and not with Russia - that is why we support Ukraine. As the Minister of Defence of Ukraine said today, our cooperation began even before the outbreak of the war. I proposed to equip the Ukrainian army with Pioruns and they passed the exam, which I am very happy about. In the hands of brave Ukrainian soldiers, they defend the airspace over Ukraine"

- said Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Błaszczak during the visit.

The talks in Kiev focused on support for Ukraine and the security situation in the context of Russian aggression. Defence ministers signed a letter of intent addressed to NATO defence ministers and partners to increase support for Ukraine.

"We also talked about Krabs, which are used by Ukrainian troops. We know perfectly well that artillery is essential at the front. Hence, our support regarding the Krabs is important for the security of Ukraine"

- said the head of the Ministry of National Defence.

The deputy prime minister also emphasized that the meeting with the Ukrainian minister of defence also concerned the possibility of training Ukrainian soldiers in Poland.
 
"Just as they are trained in Great Britain, they can be trained in Poland. We all know very well that the Russians left mines in the occupied Ukrainian territory, so they need to be removed. We are ready to train Ukrainian soldiers so that they can clear their territory"

- stressed the deputy prime minister.

The head of the Polish Ministry of National Defence also met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The talks concerned the current Polish-Ukrainian cooperation and the situation on the front.
 
"I am very glad that the current relations between our countries are so good. We 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 lot of potential when it comes to the future"

- stressed the deputy prime minister.

GALLERY - >> Poland among the leaders of military aid for Ukraine