Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Zelenskyy started the press conference with a minute's silence for the victims of the recent Russian attack on Ukraine, which resulted in missiles hitting a children's hospital in Kyiv, as well as other targets.  

“Each day and night innocent people are killed in Ukraine. The words of the President of Ukraine about the Russian targets of choice has shaken me to the very core. The missiles hit a hospital treating young cancer patients. There are no words, documents or political declarations strong enough to properly condemn this act of aggression,”

Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that the casualties and destruction sustained in this attack were caused by a direct missile strike, and Russia would be held responsible for it.   

“Today, Ukraine lost so many people. There are no doubts that we will rebuild everything that the Russian terrorists destroyed. The Russians, who perpetrated these atrocities - and who should be ashamed to call themselves human beings - will bear responsibility,”

announced the Ukrainian President. 

Mr. Tusk pledged that he would do everything in his power to help the victims of the strike.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk pointed out that the Poles are helping Ukraine due to the sense of friendship and solidarity, as well as due to their own well-understood interests.  

“Defending Ukraine means defending ourselves. Poles hold these words very dear. . . . We understand the meaning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and we know that the heroic defence means taking the stand for the entire world. . . .We know that the fall of Ukraine would have an impact not only for Ukraine, but also for Poland, Europe and the entire Western world,”

Donald Tusk stated.

He also noted how Poles got involved in helping Ukrainian families.  

“We are not going to sing our own praises, because this was a natural reaction to what happened, a way to show solidarity. I want to assure you - you can continue to count on us. . . .As long as your people need help, they can feel at home in Poland. Nothing is going to change in this regard,”

the Polish Prime Minister noted.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Poland for its support.  

“You have stood by our side since the first days of the war and I am convinced that you will continue to stand with us after it ends. . . .I hope that our nations will resist the onslaught and defend their independence,”

he noted.

As the Prime Minister pointed out, no one has the right to determine the conditions of the peace agreement without Ukraine at the table. 

“No one has the right to speak on behalf of Poland or the EU without aligning with Ukraine first, especially concerning the possible talks with Moscow. We will stand with Ukraine and I will personally make sure that there are no decisions concerning Ukraine in the EU, if Ukraine is not at the table,”

the Polish Prime Minister claimed. 

Poland will do its utmost to ensure that all NATO support can be used as effectively as possible. The meeting in Warsaw took place on the eve of the NATO Anniversary Summit in Washington.

“Even if the NATO summit does not result in an unequivocal declaration, it will not change anything in Poland’s position. We will continue to urge our allies to ensure that Ukraine can join the European Union and NATO as quickly as possible,”

Donald Tusk promised. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Poland for its efforts in the international community.  

“The EU accession negotiations are crucial for us. Poland has always been one of the staunchest supporters of Ukraine’s EU bid. . . . Poland also actively supports Ukraine's accession to NATO in Washington,”

said the Ukrainian President.

The efforts on accelerating Ukraine's accession to the EU will be one of the key aims of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, starting in January 2025.  

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that there is more and more talk about Poland's participation in the process of rebuilding Ukraine.  

“President Zelenskyy and I both believe in victory and we both believe in lasting peace in its aftermath. We firmly believe in the rapid and successful restoration of Ukraine. Poland will take part in this process and I am glad that the Ukrainian President is willing to support our cooperation with Ukraine,”

said the Polish Prime Minister. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would work with Poland on rebuilding the country. He also stated that Ukraine would invite Polish companies to rebuild Ukraine after the end of hostilities. 

Ukrainians have been showing their heroism for many months; however, to withstand the onslaught, the country needs the help of the whole civilised world. That is why 19 countries and the European Union have signed mutual security agreements with Ukraine. Today, Poland joined their ranks. 

“During the negotiations, we wanted to make sure that the entire agreement does not boil down to mere declarations of goodwill. Every word in this document means something to us. . . .We consider these words to be mutual commitments, not just empty promises. What is more, together with our allies, we are going to make these commitments a reality - one step at a time,”

Donald Tusk announced. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of the agreement.  

“This important and ambitious agreement will help us protect the lives of our citizens and counter Russian evil,”

said the Ukrainian President. 

The security of Poland and Ukraine is inextricably linked, which is why both countries decided to reaffirm and strengthen their existing cooperation and partnership with the aim of enabling Ukraine to pursue its right to self-defence against Russian attack. 

In the signed agreement, Poland and Ukraine undertook to hold regular consultations on strategic issues and on the coordination of assistance to support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. In this regard, both countries will aim to:  

• further develop their political, military, economic, security and defence cooperation;
• work together to equip and train Ukrainian defence forces;
• support the future development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces;
• support the process of Ukraine's integration into Euro-Atlantic and European structures;
• ensure close cooperation aimed at restoring Ukraine as a sovereign and democratic state;
• work together to provide Ukraine with adequate support in the event of future Russian aggression;
• support the pursuit of a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine through the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders, and holding Russia, its leaders and accomplices accountable for all crimes committed against Ukraine and its People.