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Zelensky thanks Poland for sending tanks

04.02.2023 11:15
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Poland for setting up a tank coalition for Ukraine, Poland’s PAP news agency reported on Friday evening.
Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and Polands Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak during a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, 03 February 2023, amid Russias invasion. According to the Ukrainian presidential office, Zelensky presented the Polish minister with the Order of Merit, first grade for significant personal merits in strengthening intersta
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and Poland's Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak during a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, 03 February 2023, amid Russia's invasion. According to the Ukrainian presidential office, Zelensky presented the Polish minister with the Order of Merit, first grade for 'significant personal merits in strengthening interstaPhoto: UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE PAP/EPA.

“I would like to express my gratitude for tangible, key steps that Poland has been making to strengthen our armed forces,” Zelensky said as quoted by PAP.

“The President has underscored Poland’s leadership in offering support to Ukraine's security and Warsaw's key role in initiating a tank coalition through its decision to hand a company of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine,” the Ukrainian president’s office announced in a press release, as cited by PAP.

Meanwhile, during Friday’s talks with Polish defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak in Kyiv, Zelensky decorated him with the Order for Meritorious Service of the First Degree in recognition of his commitment to helping Ukraine.

According to Zelensky’s office, he briefed Błaszczak on the situation on the frontline and discussed an upcoming meeting of countries supporting Ukraine under the so-called Ramstein format, which is set for mid-February.

While in Kyiv, Błaszczak also met for talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov.

Poland has made major diplomatic efforts to encourage fellow NATO allies to join a coalition of tank donors for Ukraine, according to PAP.

Warsaw itself has decided to hand over 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks alongside some 60 post-Soviet T-72’s, calling on countries around the world to follow suit, PAP wrote.

(mo)

Source: PAP