Poland preparing EUR 220-230M military aid package for Ukraine – ambassador
Warsaw is preparing its 47th package of military assistance for Ukraine worth EUR 220-230 million, which Ukraine expects to receive in the coming months.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
"To date, Poland has delivered 46 packages of military assistance to Ukraine, and the 47th package is now being formed. The previous package was valued at about EUR 250 million. The new package, which we expect in the coming months, will be worth EUR 220-230 million," Bodnar said.
According to him, the new package will include ammunition, equipment, various military supplies needed for specific branches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as spare parts for military hardware.
Bodnar noted that it will particularly involve Polish-made weapons that were previously supplied to Ukraine.
He stressed that Ukraine and Poland are strengthening cooperation in the defense industry, taking into account the potential of both countries and the threats they face. Joint groups have been formed to work on specific areas of cooperation, including interaction in the defense industry and coordination of priorities within the European SAFE initiative.
"In particular, at the end of last year we compiled a joint list of needs and promising areas of cooperation, where we can work together and how to use funds for the benefit of both countries, supporting Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening Poland's defense capabilities. This includes joint production, development of innovative technologies, and modernization of military equipment," Bodnar said.
He added that one promising area could be the use of Ukrainian naval systems to defend Poland's coastline.
"We have these systems in sufficient quantity and are capable of supplying them. This could significantly strengthen Poland's defensive capabilities in the Baltic Sea. In addition, important issues concern not only drones, but also missiles, reconnaissance, and air defense. Ukraine's experience in countering daily massive drone and missile attacks shows how critical missile and air defense are for the protection of civilian facilities. Here we offer our solutions, and Poland also has its own developments," the diplomat said.
Bodnar also noted that the issue of NATO air defenses intercepting targets over western Ukraine remains relevant, but no political decision has yet been made within the Alliance.
"We continue to argue that the most effective option would be to shoot down Russian drones in Ukrainian airspace. I believe this topic will gain additional relevance once ceasefire arrangements are implemented and initiatives of the Coalition of the Willing take shape, potentially including allied protection of Ukraine's skies," he said.
Earlie reports said that Poland was currently ready to transfer four MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine. They have already undergone inspections, and the timing and location of the transfer are now being determined. In total, about ten aircraft of this type are planned for transfer.
Earlier, former Polish Defense Minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz told Ukrinform that the issue of transferring several Polish MiG-29s to Ukraine had been resolved and that technical consultations were underway regarding Ukraine transferring certain UAV and missile production technologies to Poland. According to him, these consultations will last several more weeks, and the aircraft transfer could take place in February.
Photo: Embassy of Ukraine in Poland