Poland Joins Ukraine Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition

Poland joined an anti-ballistic missile coalition with Ukraine and other allies on September 18 to strengthen air defenses against Russian attacks. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the decision during the first Carpathian Summit in Bukovel, western Ukraine, a regional gathering of eight countries launched by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The coalition, first announced in July by Ukraine and nine European nations, aims to jointly develop a new anti-ballistic missile system. This project is intended as a more affordable alternative to the US Patriot system. Alongside the coalition entry, Tusk announced a new significant donation package for Ukraine.

The summit focused on security, energy, logistics, and cross-border economic ties. Participants addressed concerns over Russian hybrid threats, including sabotage and cyberattacks. Zelenskyy characterized the Carpathian macro-region as a reliable foundation of defense, while Tusk emphasized that history cannot divide Poland and Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.