Rzeszów - a City of Solidarity and Modern Technology

As a major center of the aerospace and defense industries, Rzeszów has played a key role in Poland’s support for neighboring Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s aggression.

“Rzeszów is a place of hard work for Poland, Europe, and Ukraine. It was among the first to mobilize assistance in the earliest days of the Russian aggression. The cities of Podkarpacie and all of Poland are examples of extraordinary solidarity, which has been a Polish specialty for decades,” recalled Donald Tusk.

During the most difficult moments of the Russian invasion, Poles provided help without calculation or hesitation.

“We are building this friendship above all in defiance of those who would like to destroy Ukraine, Poland, or Europe. (…) Today, once again, I heard the simplest words from the Prime Minister: ‘thank you’ for what Polish women and men did for Ukrainians. The Prime Minister also heard the word ‘thank you’ from me for what Ukraine has been doing in such a heroic and unprecedented way for 50 months in its war with Russia,” said the Prime Minister.

When Poland was among the first countries to help Ukraine, few around the world believed that Ukraine would be able to repel Russian aggression. Today, the whole world watches with admiration what Ukraine has achieved.

Polish Drone Armada - A Technological Leap for Security

Today marked the launch of the joint drone armada project. Defending itself against Russian aggression for more than four years, Ukraine has accumulated unique experience in warfare using unmanned systems. Poland intends to fully benefit from this know-how.

“With great satisfaction, I can announce that the Polish plan to build a drone armada will be supported by the technical expertise and drone competencies of our Ukrainian friends,” declared the Prime Minister.

The project is intended not only to strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities, but also to contribute to a technological leap encompassing the entire eastern flank of Europe.

“Our goal is for this unexpected consequence of the war for the Russians to be a leap across an entire technological era, so that Ukraine, Poland, and Europe become safe from aerial attacks and from any aggressive ambitions,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

The head of government also recalled that air defense is an especially important issue for Poland. In September 2024, Poland experienced a violation of its airspace by Russian drones.

Partnership Instead of One-Sided Assistance

Polish-Ukrainian relations have long moved beyond the model of donor and recipient. They have become a strategic partnership bringing mutual benefits.

“Polish-Ukrainian and broader European-Ukrainian relations are not one-sided assistance to a country at war. Poland played a leading role in building a model of relations in which Ukraine also has something to offer,” the Prime Minister assessed.

Ukraine has shown the entire free world what determination in defending independence looks like. This lesson also has a practical dimension: Ukrainian expertise in drones and air defense is today a valuable contribution to collective security.

“Ukraine has shown the world that it can defend its independence and freedom. This war has also demonstrated what international solidarity means and that the nations of the free world are capable of engaging in the defense of values,” the Prime Minister stressed.

The moment Russia withdraws will be the moment when coordinated international action for the reconstruction of Ukraine becomes necessary.

Polish Business on the Road to Ukraine’s Reconstruction

The conference in Rzeszów also serves as a prelude to broad international cooperation aimed at rebuilding Ukraine. As part of the conference, an EXPO Zone has been established where Polish companies present technologies and solutions for the security and defense sector.

“In Gdańsk, another meeting of European and global business leaders and political leaders will take place. We deeply believe in the idea that the entire free world should unite not only around helping Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, but also around Ukraine’s future plans after the war,” announced the Prime Minister.

The future reconstruction of Ukraine will require the involvement of the entire international community, both governments and businesses.

“We deeply believe that this war will not bring the aggressor the results it expects and that Ukraine will preserve its independence. Then a great joint effort to rebuild Ukraine, which is being ruthlessly destroyed by the aggressor, will be needed,” emphasized Donald Tusk.

Thanks to its unique expertise in aviation, defense industries, and unmanned technologies, Rzeszów symbolizes what Poland can contribute to this shared effort.