Poland provided secret military aid to Ukraine, Zelenskyy hints amid air defense shortages

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested during a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Brussels that Poland had provided secret military aid to Ukraine amid growing air defense shortages. The meeting occurred on October 15, as Ukraine faces increasing intensity from Russian drone and missile attacks. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's air defense needs were greater than at any point since 2022, as the attacks strain existing systems and expose shortages of interceptor missiles.

He specifically requested 20 mm ammunition for city defense against Russian attacks, mentioning that some assistance had to remain confidential. Tusk reaffirmed Poland's commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that Kyiv could rely on Poland and the European Union. The European military aid is becoming increasingly crucial for Ukraine's defense as the US support becomes uncertain.

This comes amid growing uncertainty over US assistance under President Donald Trump, who has taken steps that have strained ties with Kyiv, including easing restrictions on Russian fuel and pressuring for an energy ceasefire that Ukraine claims Russia continues to violate.