Joint projects in defense-industrial complex could strengthen Ukrainian-Polish relations – Budanov
Ukraine and Poland should expand economic cooperation and develop joint production, particularly in the defense industry, Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, in a video address during the opening of the Ukrainian-Polish business forum "Win-Win: Poland and Ukraine in the Common EU Market," which took place on November 13 in Warsaw.
Head of Ukraine's President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, emphasized during the Ukrainian-Polish business forum on November 13 in Warsaw that expanding economic cooperation and developing joint production, especially in defense industries, could strengthen relations between Ukraine and Poland. Budanov highlighted that Polish businesses in the defense-industrial complex could benefit alongside Ukraine, thereby bolstering Poland's direct security.
He noted that in 2025, trade between the two nations reached nearly $13 billion. Ukraine's integration into the EU, according to Budanov, would open new opportunities for Polish companies in the Ukrainian market, logistics, and joint production. Deputy Head of the President's Office, Oleksiy Sobolev, echoed these sentiments, expressing interest in large-scale joint projects between state-owned companies of both countries and in developing joint supply chains.
He stressed the need for increased Polish investment in Ukraine's reconstruction and the development of joint defense production, considering the threat posed by Russia to both nations. Deputy Head Olena Kovalska pointed out the presence of Polish companies in Ukraine's processing industry and retail sector, and highlighted the need for investment in energy, oil, and gas production.
She also noted that Ukrainians who have sought refuge in Poland due to Russian aggression have contributed approximately 2.4% to Poland's GDP in 2025, by working, opening businesses, creating jobs, and paying taxes in Poland. Kovalska suggested that Poland could become a location for Ukrainian companies seeking new sites to serve the Ukrainian market, bringing additional tax revenue and new jobs to Poland while allowing Ukrainian companies to continue production and meet the needs of Ukrainian consumers.
The Ukrainian-Polish Win-Win Business Forum, held at the EXPO XXI exhibition center in Warsaw as part of ReBuild Ukraine 2026, brought together representatives from government, business associations, and companies from both countries to discuss economic cooperation, collaboration between defense enterprises, and investment opportunities in Ukraine.
Among the speakers were Ukrainian Minister of Economy and Environment, Oleksandr Kravchenko, and Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the EU, Taras Kachka.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
