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Poland, Ukraine to deepen defence ties

30.01.2026 16:15
Poland and Ukraine are set to intensify their defence collaboration, focusing on air defence, drone development and the modernisation of fighter aircraft, Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Friday.
On the left, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraines Defence Minister. On the right, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, during an online meeting on 30 January 2026.
On the left, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Defence Minister. On the right, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, during an online meeting on 30 January 2026. Photo courtesy of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry.

He made the statement on social media after an online discussion with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

“Had a productive conversation with Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. We agreed to further deepen defence cooperation. Poland plays a key role in supporting Ukraine. Thank you for the strategic partnership,” Fedorov wrote on X.

The Ukrainian minister highlighted Poland’s crucial logistical support, noting via Telegram that roughly 90% of international aid reaching Ukraine, including assistance aimed at strengthening its energy resilience, passes through Poland.

Fedorov also shared photos from the online meeting on social media, explaining that the talks covered joint defence projects and European mechanisms for military support.

He specifically thanked Poland for its participation in the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a NATO-backed mechanism funding Ukraine’s procurement of American weaponry, and emphasised Warsaw’s readiness to undertake collaborative defence initiatives, particularly in drone technology.

The politician also highlighted the role of the NATO–Ukraine Joint Analysis and Training Centre (JATEC) in Poland as a platform for analysing wartime experience, sharing expertise, and implementing NATO standards.

The discussion also addressed the enhancement of Ukraine’s short-range air defence systems.

“Polish technologies are already a vital part of our air defence. We are ready to further expand radar coverage and deepen cooperation,” Fedorov said.

Telegram/Fedorov/zedigital

Another key topic was the transfer of MiG-29s from Poland.

“The jets were supplied in 2023, and together we will work on their modernisation to enhance operational effectiveness and target engagement,” the minister added.

Fedorov stressed that Ukraine is prepared to share its own operational insights, especially on countering strike drones such as the Shahed, which could strengthen the capabilities of Polish forces.

“Thank you to Poland for fruitful cooperation and support for Ukraine from the very first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion,” he concluded.

(mp)

Source: PAP/X/@FedorovMykhailo/Telegram/Fedorov/@zedigital