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Poland and Ukraine strengthen defense and economic alliance following EU loan approval
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met in Warsaw to reaffirm their shared commitment to defense cooperation and economic recovery, shortly after the European Union approved a €90 billion interest-free loan to Ukraine for 2026–2027. The talks underlined both nations’ efforts to enhance joint defense production and deepen strategic collaboration against shared security threats.
Defense cooperation and industrial partnership
The leaders agreed to reinforce combat aviation and air defense capabilities through the EU’s SAFE program, which focuses on producing drones, missile interceptors, and naval equipment. Zelensky proposed sharing Ukraine’s expertise in drone defense to help Poland and other European partners strengthen their military preparedness. He also invited Polish firms to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction initiatives, emphasizing that rebuilding the country’s defense and industrial base is central to regional stability.
Poland, seeking €43.7 billion from the SAFE mechanism, is among 15 EU members preparing collaborative defense projects with Ukraine. The program, worth up to €150 billion in total, aims to bolster Europe’s joint defense production capacity and technological autonomy.
Shared front against Russian aggression
During their meeting, Zelensky warned that Ukraine’s fall would endanger neighboring nations, declaring that unity between Poland and Ukraine poses “a powerful deterrent to Russia.” Tusk echoed this sentiment, noting that the EU’s loan gives Ukraine stronger leverage and ensures continued European support as the country resists Russian aggression.
Both leaders welcomed growing coordination among European states and called for Europe to play a leading role in any future peace negotiations. Zelensky thanked Poland for its steadfast backing since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Financial aid to support long-term recovery
The newly approved €90 billion EU loan will be financed through collective borrowing on international markets, backed by the EU’s budget. Ukraine will begin repayment only after obtaining reparations from Russia. Although earlier proposals aimed to use frozen Russian assets as loan collateral, the plan was dropped due to legal complexities in Belgium.
This financing package aims to sustain Ukraine’s administration, defense modernization, and postwar recovery while ensuring transparency and fiscal oversight.
