Poland Initiates а Special Legion for Training Ukrainian Soldiers in the EU

In Poland, a special legion is set to be created to train Ukrainians in the EU who are willing to defend Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, the Security Agreement between Ukraine and Poland includes an arrangement for the formation of the Ukrainian Legion. This unit will provide training on Polish soil for Ukrainian citizens in Europe who wish to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Zelenskyy highlighted the positive experience gained from the Polish-Ukrainian-Lithuanian brigade, which serves as the basis for offering Ukrainian citizens currently residing in Poland, Lithuania, and other EU countries the opportunity to voluntarily join Ukraine’s defense forces.

The Ukrainian Legion will undergo training in Poland and will be equipped with support from partners. Each Ukrainian citizen opting to join the legion will be able to sign a contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The agreement with Poland also involves developing mechanisms to counter Russian missiles and drones targeting Polish territory.

On July 8, 2024, Ukraine and Poland signed a bilateral security agreement in Warsaw, aiming to bolster defense capabilities and strategic alignment. The pact includes Poland’s commitment to transfer at least one additional squadron of MiG-29 jets to Ukraine, enhancing air defense against missile and drone threats. It also promotes defense industry cooperation, cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure development. Poland reaffirms support for Ukraine’s European integration and NATO aspirations.