Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Poland

Preamble

Ukraine and the Republic of Poland (‘Poland’), hereafter referred to as ‘the Participants’,

recalling that Poland was the first country to recognise the independence of Ukraine on 2 December 1991;

recalling the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Poland on 8 January 1992 and signature of the Treaty on Good Neighbourhood, Friendly Relations and Cooperation on 18 May 1992;

recalling the signature of General Agreement between the Government of Poland and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on mutual cooperation in the field of defence on 2 December 2016;

reaffirming their common historical legacy, and recognising closeness of both cultures, languages, political traditions of their Nations;

reaffirming their common interests and shared responsibility for peace and security in Europe;

reaffirming their profound commitment to the commonly shared principles of democracy, rule of law, good governance, respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

reaffirming that membership of Ukraine in the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and intensified regional cooperation are in the strategic interest of Ukraine and Poland;

reaffirming the resolve to further strengthen the already close cooperation in defending the independence and territorial integrity of their States, and ensuring the freedom of their Peoples from external coercion;

recognising that Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is a threat to international peace and security, and a flagrant violation of international law and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) principles and commitments;

unwavering in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its borders, which have been internationally recognised since 1991, including territorial sea;

reaffirming Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence, enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations;

reaffirming their solidarity which since 2022 has found expression in Poland’s support for Ukraine in the face of brutal and illegal Russian aggression;

recalling unprecedented political, military, economic, medical and humanitarian support and assistance delivered by Poland and its citizens towards Ukraine in face of Russia’s aggression since 2014 and its full-scale invasion of 2022;

recognising that on 5 April 2024 Poland has created the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine to better tackle challenges and coordinate efforts for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine and its integration with the EU;

reiterating the July 2023 NATO Vilnius Summit Communiqué’s statement that Ukraine’s future is in NATO;

underlining that bilateral security commitments are not a substitute for Ukraine’s future membership in NATO;

recalling the historic decision of the European Council of 14 December 2023 to grant Ukraine the candidate status and open accession negotiations with Ukraine, and underlining that the EU enlargement is a meaningful investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity;

recognising that Ukraine should get support to be fully capable of defending itself and deterring any future aggression;

recognising that Ukraine and the whole Europe will not be secure until a just peace is restored that respects Ukraine’s rights under international law, notably its sovereignty and territorial integrity;

recalling that Ukraine will continue to implement an ambitious reform programme, and that Poland is ready to support Ukraine’s reform efforts essential for its EU and NATO membership as well as its accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and commends Ukraine for the significant reform progress made to date;

recalling that Poland supports Ukraine’s initiative for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace: the 10-Point Peace Formula, based on the Charter of the United Nations (UN), and that this format provides a credible basis for future peace and encompasses a number of important strands of action where Poland is already active, with a focus on energy security;

have jointly decided to strengthen their cooperation by pursuing the following bilateral long-term security and security-related arrangements and commitments.

I. Scope and objectives

1. This Agreement is intended to complement the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted in Vilnius on 12 July 2023 (hereinafter – G7 Joint Declaration) and subsequently co-signed by Poland.
2. With this Agreement Ukraine and Poland have decided to affirm and deepen their cooperation and partnership. The Participants will continue to explore ways to further strengthen their long-term relationship, especially in the sphere of security and defence policy.
3. The Participants stand ready to consult on a regular basis on strategic matters and on coordination of support with the purpose of assisting Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression.
4. The Participants acknowledge that the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine constitutes a fundamental context of this Agreement. The main goal is therefore to support Ukraine’s self-defence. In this regard the Participants aim to:
   • further develop political, military, security, defence and economic cooperation;
   • cooperate on equipping and training Ukraine’s security and defence forces;
   • contribute to development of Ukraine’s Future Forces;
   • support Ukraine’s integration process with the Euro-Atlantic and European structures;
   • closely cooperate in rebuilding Ukraine as a sovereign and democratic state;
   • work together to provide adequate support to Ukraine in the event of any future Russian aggression;
   • support the pursuit of a just and long-lasting peace and security for Ukraine based on withdrawal of the Russian forces from the territory of Ukraine, regaining Ukraine’s territorial integrity within the internationally recognised borders, as well as holding Russia, its leadership and accomplices accountable for all crimes committed against Ukraine and its people.

II. Cooperation in the event of future armed attack or significant escalation

1. In the event of renewed Russian aggression against Ukraine following the cessation of current hostilities, or in the event of significant escalation of the current aggression and at the request of either of them, the Participants will consult within 24 hours to determine measures needed to counter or deter the aggression. Guided by Ukraine’s needs as it exercises its right of self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, Poland, in accordance with its respective legal and constitutional requirements, will provide swift and sustained assistance, including steps to impose political and economic costs on Russia. With the consent of the Participants, such consultations may take place with representatives of other interested states that have also concluded arrangements with Ukraine under the framework of the G7 Joint Declaration.
2. The Participants will continue to consult, as appropriate, throughout Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.
3. In order to ensure the widest and most effective collective response to any future aggression against Ukraine, the Participants may amend this Agreement in order to align with any mechanism that Ukraine may subsequently agree with international partners, including the participants of the G7 Joint Declaration.

III. Defence and military cooperation

Ukraine’s military capabilities

1. The Participants will continue efforts to improve the capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other security and defence forces to defend Ukraine’s territory and people against Russian invasion, to respond to any further armed attack from Russia, as well as to enhance Ukraine’s interoperability with NATO and accelerate Ukraine’s transition to NATO standards.
2. It is the policy of Poland to assist Ukraine, on a bilateral basis and through cooperation with Allies and partners, with preservation of its qualitative defence and military edge amid rapid, uncertain and challenging regional political and security transformation.
3. It is the policy of Ukraine to share with Poland its best practices, operational lessons learned and, as necessary, solutions relevant for enhancing their mutual security and complementarity of their military development processes so relevant for mutual preparations for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
4. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression Poland has been at the forefront in providing Ukraine with military support across land, air, sea and cyber domains. Poland has donated to Ukraine a significant amount of weapons, such as:
   • heavy armament, including tanks and armoured fighting vehicles,
   • fighter jets and combat helicopters,
   • man-portable air-defence missile systems and air defence systems,
   • unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions,
   • artillery systems,
   • individual weapons,
   • large and small calibre ammunition,
   • medical, fire protection and soldier’s personal protection equipment,
   • other weapons and equipment.
5. Poland has also mobilised like-minded countries to take forward new forms of support such as deliveries of modern Western-made weapon systems.
6. Since the beginning of 2022, Poland has provided 44 packages of various types of weapons and ammunition. Their total value, together with other forms of support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, especially in the form of training, logistics, supplies, maintenance and repair, and in the medical field, exceeded 4 billion EUR.
7. Bearing the above in mind, in 2024 Poland will provide several substantial military assistance packages and will continue with robust support within the next decade.
8. Poland will continue military assistance to Ukraine as long as it takes, prioritising efforts aimed at strengthening Ukraine's combat capabilities across all domains. This support will be implemented on a bilateral basis and by contribution to:
   • coalitions, EU, NATO and other multilateral initiatives aimed at enabling the defence of Ukraine against Russian aggression and reinforcement of its defence capabilities;
   • training of Ukrainian Armed Forces and other security and defence forces;
   • assistance in constituting strategic stockpiles needed for the prompt deterrence of potential future aggressions;
   • efforts to ensure the full interoperability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with NATO, spearheading its future membership.
9. Poland will continue to actively engage in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). Taking into account the amount of heavy equipment donated by Poland to Ukraine and Poland’s role in creating the Western-made tanks’ coalition, Poland has taken on the lead of the Armoured Capability Coalition within the UDCG. This coalition will support the deliveries of a comprehensive armoured capability package and will aim at improving the interoperability of Ukrainian and Allied forces.
10. Poland will also engage in other coalitions, as well as will remain open to considering and adjusting its contribution to possible future initiatives, given the evolving nature of the assistance toolbox.
11. Poland will continue to operate the logistics hub (POLLOGHUB with its air, road, railway modules) and is resolved to maintain its leading role in ensuring efficient supply of armaments and equipment to Ukraine. Poland will facilitate the movement of military and civilian personnel and armaments and equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other security and defence forces through the Polish territory to other countries for training and other purposes as it has been doing since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
12. Recognising Ukraine’s significant progress on the path to Euro–Atlantic integration, Poland will support the military modernisation process of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other security and defence forces aimed at increasing interoperability with NATO, as well as adaptation to NATO standards. Supporting the ongoing defence reform process in Ukraine, Poland will offer advice on strategic, operational and tactical level. Particular attention will be directed towards conducting the democratic oversight of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, improving anti-corruption practices, transparent resource management and other necessary reforms pertaining to the defence sector institutional transformation.
13. Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale aggression, Poland has been continuously delivering military equipment to Ukraine also through the European Peace Facility (EPF), at the same time promoting the reliable and effective character of this instrument to encourage other Member States to join it. Poland will work with its EU partners to ensure long-term, sustainable support to Ukraine through EPF, Ukraine Assistance Fund (UAF) and other potential future instruments.
14. Poland, at the request of Ukraine, will encourage Ukrainian citizens to return to Ukraine to serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other security and defence forces.
15. The Participants acknowledge that in the context of the current Russian war of aggression, Ukraine has gained significant experience and expertise that can contribute to the continued modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces. The detailed scope and directions regarding future cooperation in this area will be determined by the Participants.
16. The Participants will strive to establish closer cooperation at the level of commands and Armed Forces’ branches (supported by the exchange of liaison officers) in order to support the exchange of experience and lessons learned.
17. Recognising the potential of LITPOLUKRBRIG in supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces capabilities, the Participants will continue to engage in the process of training Ukrainian soldiers, in particular on the territory of Poland, and other forms of military cooperation in this format.
18. Poland will continue military assistance to Ukraine through experience exchange in the cyber domain, and in the development, implementation and use of Systems Analysis and Programme Development (SAP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
19. The Participants will work together to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities, with an aim to reach a level that, in the event of external aggression against Poland during the period preceding Ukraine’s accession to NATO, enables Ukraine to reciprocate with effective military assistance.
20. The Participants agree on the need to continue their bilateral dialogue and dialogues with other partners, aimed at examining rationale and feasibility of possible intercepting in Ukraine’s airspace missiles and UAVs fired in the direction of territory of Poland, following necessary procedures agreed by the States and organisations involved.
21. Acknowledging substantial support provided so far by Poland to the Ukrainian Air Force, including MIG-29 fighter jets, the Participants will continue in 2024 and beyond bilateral dialogue on further cooperation regarding this air platform and will consider the delivery of a squadron of MIG-29 with no prejudice to Poland’s security and operational capabilities of Poland’s Air Force.

Training and exercises

1. Poland is committed to continue providing training and military education on the Polish territory (including train-the-trainers programmes) and capacity building support to Ukrainian security and defence forces. As a host of EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) operational command CAT-C, up to date Poland has trained approximately one-third of the total 50 thousand Ukrainians trained within the EUMAM so far. Along with bilateral support, Poland has provided advanced trainings to around 22 thousand Ukrainian personnel.
2. Training support will be continued within the framework of the EUMAM, conducted under the auspices of the EU – CAT-C, operational level command, in the shape of bilateral training and host nation support. The training will be continued in three areas:
   • specialist training as required, as well as medical and military engineering training;
   • collective – including training of brigades, mechanised battalions and tank headquarters;
   • leadership – training squad and platoon leaders.

The above-mentioned trainings are and will be complemented by trainings carried out by the Polish Armed Forces in cooperation with Allies under other agreements.

3. This type of training delivers concrete added value and promotes increased interoperability of forces. Poland is ready to expand and flexibly adjust its training offer bilaterally or under the EUMAM framework in order to include broader components of Ukrainian security and defence forces, as well as different types of capabilities.
4. Poland will continue organising English language courses for the Ukrainian Armed Forces at Polish military universities and specialist trainings, including medical and naval training and education. In the framework of medical support, Poland will maintain the involvement in the initiative launched in 2023 to provide assistance in training multidisciplinary teams of the Psychological Support System, including psychological recovery and rehabilitation specialists of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
5. The possibility of extending the scope of specialist training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces will depend on the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces.
6. The Participants will continue to cooperate on the issue of training of personnel of the security and defence forces of Ukraine on the territory of Poland. Ukrainian nationals temporarily residing in Poland and other States will be able to participate in the training process. The Participants will agree on the procedure for selection, training, staffing, providing weapons, equipment and ammunition, as well as social and financial support of such personnel and the status of their stay on the territory of Poland.
7. The Participants will hold annual senior-level Strategic Defence and Security Policy Dialogue, including enhanced format if necessary.

Defence industry cooperation

1. The Participants will encourage and facilitate engagement of their defence industries to contribute to the development of Ukraine’s defence capacities. Special attention will be given to developing and preserving Ukraine’s military edge necessary for self-defence against Russia’s aggression.
2. Poland will support Ukraine’s efforts to integrate its defence industry into NATO and EU defence and security frameworks, including in the context of new perspectives for EU-Ukraine defence cooperation.
3. The Participants will identify opportunities for closer defence industrial partnerships and cooperation aimed at mutual commercial and political benefit. To this end, Poland will consider ways to generate investment and financial assistance, as appropriate, in particular in the time of war and post-war recovery.
4. The Participants will collaborate to create an environment conducive to Polish defence companies locating production also in Ukraine. Additionally, they intend to include Ukrainian-based enterprises in the production chains of military equipment and assets.
5. Poland will explore further possibilities to extend ongoing servicing and repairing of the military equipment transferred by Poland, Allies and partners to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other security and defence forces, building on experience gained so far, including in relation to repairing heavy equipment on site. Assistance with regard to the repair and maintenance of military equipment will be provided for modern weapons produced in Poland as well as post-Soviet equipment.
6. Recognising the strategic importance of the space industry, the Participants will prioritise developing projects in jointly agreed areas of space activities based on the work carried out so far by the respective space agencies.
7. The Participants will work to strengthen efforts to reduce existing barriers to industry cooperation, including within the space industry, while taking into account the general security situation and legitimate interests of their industries, including by evaluating the best options for the location of production in Ukraine or Poland, as well as by exploring opportunities for joint production.
8. The Participants will examine on a regular basis measures to mitigate existing supply chain bottlenecks impeding the manufacturing of priority weapons and ammunition.
9. Poland will work with Ukraine to strengthen protection of the transferred technologies and intellectual property rights. At the same time, Ukraine will act to protect these technologies and intellectual property.
10. The Participants will intensify bilateral cooperation on international arms transfers control and on strengthening Ukraine's capacity to manage stockpiles of small arms and light weapons under state control or in the possession of civilian entities.
11. Ukraine and Poland will work to transform Ukraine’s defence industry into a powerful capability enabling Ukraine to restore its territorial integrity within the internationally recognised border of 1991, serving as a major driver in economic recovery and being an essential part of effective deterrence against the future attempts of aggression to ensure peace and prosperity for Ukraine, Poland, and the whole Europe. Throughout this process, Ukraine will commit to including the Polish enterprises.

Road to NATO

1. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraine belongs to the Euro-Atlantic family and will join the ranks of NATO Allies. Ukraine’s membership in NATO will make an effective contribution to peace and stability in Europe.
2. Any form of bilateral security commitments or guarantees provided to Ukraine by its partners cannot constitute an alternative for full NATO membership.
3. Poland remains a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s efforts towards NATO membership by, but not limited to, advancing practical and political cooperation through the NATO-Ukraine Council, NATO’s multi-year Comprehensive Assistance Package and Ukraine’s adapted Annual National Programme.
4. Poland supports further enhancement of NATO-Ukraine relations and practical cooperation, including an increase of NATO’s role in support of Ukraine.
5. The Participants agree that drawing on lessons learned and experience gained from the war, and embedding them in doctrine, tactics and operations in Ukraine, as well as in Allied nations, remain a top priority. Therefore, they will cooperate to guarantee further development of NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in Bydgoszcz, Poland, and any additional future location.

IV. Non-military cooperation, including countering hybrid threats

Critical infrastructure

1. Poland will cooperate with Ukraine to enhance the security, reconstruction and protection of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure on the bilateral base and within the European Union, NATO and other relevant international frameworks.
2. The Participants will strengthen their cooperation to enhance the resilience and preparedness of both government and civil entities, including through information sharing, equipment provision as available, exchanges of best practices and experience.
3. The Participants will explore launching joint educational and training programmes for specialists in critical infrastructure protection as well as support Ukrainian experts’ access to relevant international programmes and projects on the territory of Poland and other partner countries.

Civil protection

1. Poland was one of the countries that initiated and actively supported Ukraine's accession to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), which remains crucial in providing civil protection assistance to Ukraine, as well as supporting prevention and preparedness for disasters and other crises.
2. Poland has also significantly contributed to transferring in-kind and other assistance according to the needs of Ukrainian rescuers and civilians. A total of 2,895 pallets of firefighting equipment were donated by Poland, including: personal protective equipment (e.g: special clothing, firefighters’ helmets, firefighters’ boots), thermal imaging cameras, power generators (792 pieces), medical bags, 259 fire vehicles. Further fire equipment and vehicles were delivered in connection with the destruction by the Russian forces of the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro River.
3. Poland reaffirms its commitment to provide multidimensional assistance based on Ukraine's needs, including training and other support in further development of the Ukrainian civil protection system.
4. Both parties will also benefit from knowledge and experience gained in managing the current and future risks landscape.

CBRN risks

1. The Participants intend to further expand their existing bilateral cooperation to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and develop its civil protection capabilities against nuclear, biological and chemical weapons-related risks.

Cybersecurity

1. Recognising the Memorandum of Understanding on Cybersecurity between the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Administration of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine in Cyberspace, signed in Kyiv on 22 August 2022, as a basis for cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and related areas, the Participants agree on further efforts to improve their capabilities to respond to any further threats coming from cyberspace.
2. Already before the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression, Poland has been at the forefront in providing Ukraine with cybersecurity, data, information and communication systems assistance. This has significantly supported the sustainability of functions of numerous Ukrainian national and local systems.
3. Poland has consistently cooperated with Ukraine in cybersecurity and IT aid and will continue to provide further support.
4. Poland will continue to participate and actively engage as the main coordination office in the international Tallinn Mechanism (TM), which aims to coordinate and facilitate civilian cyber capacity building to help Ukraine uphold its fundamental right to self-defence in cyberspace and address longer-term cyber resilience needs. Poland (Ministry of Digital Affairs) will continue to play the role of a “Back Office”, linking the Ukrainian needs in the cyber security domain with partners’ response.
5. The Participants will work together to detect, disrupt and deter malign cyber operations, in particular malicious use of cyber capabilities, by any hostile state and non-state actors against the Participants, including the use of cyber-enabled tools for espionage, hybrid attacks and threats to critical infrastructure systems. They will also increase their operational cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.

Secure digital transformation

1. The Participants recognise blockchain technology as increasing citizens' trust in public administration services and limiting the scope for abuse in the digital world.
2. The Participants will support the use of quantum technologies for the development of resilient and secure communications between Polish and Ukrainian institutions.
3. The Participants recognise the benefits of cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) cybersecurity issues.

Information security and combating propaganda

1. The Participants recognise the critical importance of information security in today's digital age. The advancements in technology, including AI, have led to an increase in threats such as propaganda and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), particularly through disinformation campaigns, that pose significant challenges to democratic processes, national security, and social cohesion.
2. Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression, Poland has sought international attention to the dangers posed by Russian FIMI operations whose main aim is to reduce public support for Ukraine. Poland will sustain these endeavours by promoting EU, NATO and other multilateral efforts and initiatives aimed at reaching more effectively key audiences in and outside of Europe with facts about Russia's unjustified war against Ukraine.
3. The Participants will work together to counter information security threats globally, including propaganda and FIMI, especially in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, through information sharing, joint threat assessments and coordinated response efforts, as well as providing international technical assistance to Ukraine.
4. The Participants intend to strengthen their cooperation in enhancing resilience against information security threats, propaganda and other forms of FIMI. To this end, they will undertake joint communication activities, exchange knowledge on best practices and counter disinformation tools, including AI-driven, as well as organise related trainings and media literacy projects.

Intelligence and counterintelligence cooperation

1. Polish special services will cooperate with their Ukrainian counterparts in identifying and countering jointly recognised threats.
2. Poland will support Ukraine in strengthening its cooperation with NATO in the sphere of intelligence and counterintelligence.

Cooperation in the fight against terrorism

1. Ukraine and Poland will deepen cooperation in the area of countering international terrorist organisations, their affiliated institutions and groups, intensify information exchange about foreign terrorist fighters, take measures to identify channels of their movement and identify legal entities and individuals used to finance, provide material and other support to international terrorist organisations.

Combating serious and organised crime

1. The Participants intend to take actions to combat serious and organised crime (SOC).
2. In order to counter all types of SOC activities, joint efforts may include forms of cooperation provided for in bilateral agreements between Participants currently in force or ones they may enter into in the future.
3. Taking due note of the progress in negotiations, the Participants are resolved to conclude an intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation in the sphere of combating organised crime.

Illegal migration

1. The Participants will cooperate in order to mitigate the risk of illegal migration and other trans-border crimes. This will be achieved by information exchange, joint working groups and effective cooperation between relevant law enforcement agencies.

Maritime security cooperation

1. The Participants will seek to coordinate their efforts on strengthening international cooperation in the domain of maritime security in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international legal instruments. Ukraine and Poland will work on options to support Ukraine in enhancing security in the Black Sea Region.
2. The Participants will reflect on how to contribute to the capacity building of Ukraine’s maritime domain on a bilateral basis and through cooperation with Allies and partners. The development of Ukraine’s maritime fleet may be achieved through capacity-building efforts, industrial cooperation and training efforts as well as donations.

V. Political cooperation

Bilateral relations

1. The Participants will develop close and friendly relations in all areas, based on shared values and solidarity in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and common threats and challenges.
2. The Participants will deepen their bilateral relations by further strengthening regular consultation formats, using formats of intragovernmental and sectoral consultations, as well as exchange on expert level.
3. The Participants will consider concluding a new bilateral Treaty, which will comprehensively regulate the entirety of relations between the Participants.
4. The Participants will foster mutual economic cooperation, including trade and investment, strive to provide favourable conditions for them, taking into account the protection of investment, technology, copyright and patent rights.
5. The Participants will encourage business-to-business cooperation and provide for a level playing field for entrepreneurs. The Participants will also support the use of existing and future financial mechanisms intended to stimulate economic activity of the Polish and Ukrainian business community.
6. The Participants will facilitate development of cooperation between enterprises, economic self-governments and business institutions.
7. The Participants will foster development of scientific and technological cooperation.
8. The Participants will encourage cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian companies, including in the field of financial services related to capital markets and insurance, with the understanding that both Participants recognise that the provision of certain regulated services (including banking, insurance or investment services) as well as access to the capital market remain subject to European and national regulations and may require, as the case may be, a licence, permit, notification or other decision of the competent national supervisory authority, which can be obtained only after the fulfilment of certain conditions on the part of the applicant.
9. Ukraine and Poland express their will to establish a long-term strategic partnership in higher education and science. It is important to develop existing mechanisms of bilateral cooperation, in particular those concerning academic and scientific exchange. The Participants are open to reciprocal suggestions on preferred directions of bilateral cooperation, partnership and support. Ukraine and Poland underline their readiness to strengthen understanding between their Nations, including through seeking – with the support of research centres – reconciliation with regard to contentious issues resulting from the difficult history of both States.
10. Ukraine and Poland encourage their universities and other institutions from the higher education and science sector to build close relations and use the support mechanisms available within financing agencies and the European Union.
11. The Participants will work together to develop common instruments for historical research as well as curriculum guidelines for school textbooks on history of relations of the two States and Nations, particularly building on the Polish-Ukrainian brotherhood in arms in the 1920 war with Bolshevik Russia.
12. The Participants decide to strengthen cooperation in carrying out searches, exhumations and other activities for the dignified burial of victims of conflicts, repressions and crimes committed on the territories of Ukraine and Poland, as well as with regard to requests to the competent authorities of both Participants to carry out such works.

Social care

1. The government of the Republic of Poland, at a very early stage of the war, undertook a number of measures to help Ukrainian citizens. These were both the most urgent reception measures and systemic solutions aimed at creating – as far as possible – satisfactory social and professional integration for persons from Ukraine who have fled areas affected by the Russian aggression. Among others, Poland actively supported Ukrainian citizens' access to electronic communication services on Polish territory, including: by making several hundred thousand prepaid SIM cards available free of charge for communication with families remaining in the territory of Poland, as well as by introducing unlimited, free access to some websites provided by the Ukrainian state services.
2. Poland has accepted over 1,6 million persons from Ukraine who have fled areas affected by the Russian aggression, mostly women and children. Thanks to the Special Act of 12 March 2022 on assistance to citizens of Ukraine, they have access to social welfare on equal terms with Polish citizens. All forms of support for the Ukrainian citizens, offered by different systems, among others family support system, social assistance, educational system, including financial support, access to social services and care and educational facilities, contribute to increasing chances of their quick social integration and entry into the labour market.
3. The Participants reaffirm the comprehensive support of the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Polish nation for Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to seek refuge in Poland, including children evacuated from foster care in Ukraine.
4. Poland employed all its resources to support the relocation of children from Ukrainian foster care who are staying in collective accommodation centres to family-like houses. The Participants agree to cooperate towards creating opportunities for foster families from Ukraine temporarily staying on the territory of Poland to accept Ukrainian children evacuated to Poland from institutional foster care in Ukraine.
5. The Participants reaffirm their readiness for further cooperation aimed at ensuring welfare of children evacuated from Ukraine to Poland.
6. The Participants agree to exchange experiences and good practices in improving the social protection system, adapting Ukrainian legislation and policy in the social sphere to the legal acquis and EU standards. Attention will be paid in particular to exchanging experiences in social support for low-income families with children.

Road to EU

1. Poland reiterates that Ukraine belongs to the European family and its future lies in the EU. Poland commends Ukraine’s efforts aimed at implementation of reforms under extremely challenging circumstances.
2. The Participants reaffirm their intent to work constructively on Ukraine’s EU integration, with a view to its full membership.
3. Poland stands ready to support Ukraine on its path towards EU membership and to share its experience and know-how, with an emphasis on practical guidance.
4. Poland will actively promote Ukraine’s swift integration, based on the progress achieved in meeting the EU standards by Ukraine.
5. The Participants will consult closely to identify and address in advance, and in amicable bilateral format, possible challenges related to Ukraine’s EU accession process especially in sectors of mutual interest, (e.g. in the agri-food sector). They will also use the format to assist Ukraine on its way towards the EU.

Cooperation and coordination within existing forums and mechanisms

1. The Participants will strive to ensure that the actions undertaken within the remit of this agreement are coordinated with other strands of action in multilateral fora and mechanisms in which they both participate. This includes through NATO, EU, the G7 Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform, and other current or future relevant forums and mechanisms.
2. The Participants will also continue their close cooperation within international institutions, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as well as international financial institutions (World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank).
3. The Participants confirmed their support for Ukraine’s membership in the European Space Agency (ESA).

Sanctions

1. The Participants will continue working to ensure that the costs to the Russian Federation for its aggression continue to rise, including through sanctions and export controls. The Participants recognise the value of restrictive measures in limiting Russia’s access to finance, goods, technology and services used in its aggression, in bearing down on Russia's revenue streams, and to deter future attacks. Since the Russian war of aggression started, Poland has elaborated, jointly with its EU partners, the most extensive sanctions package ever imposed against a major economy.
2. Poland will work for the strongest possible sanctions on the Russian Federation, and those in the Russian Federation and outside who are supporting or profiting from the war or assisting in sanctions circumvention in third countries, while ensuring their effectiveness. Poland will also continue to take determined action with partners to uphold sanction pressure on Russia and to tackle all forms of sanctions circumvention as long as Russian aggression continues and Ukraine’s territorial integrity is not restored.
3. The Participants will provide each other up-to-date information on the grounds for establishing sanctions and other relevant information, in compliance with agreed obligations.

Just peace

1. The Participants recognise that Ukraine and the whole of Europe will not be secure until there is a just peace that respects Ukraine’s rights under international law. Ukraine and Poland will therefore work together for a just and lasting peace that has broad global support.
2. Poland welcomes Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace, based on the principles of Ukraine’s Peace Formula. Poland is willing to play a leading role in taking forward steps to implement initiatives that reflect the principles of the UN Charter.
3. Poland will support Ukraine in its efforts to ensure immediate release and return of all unlawfully detained, forcibly transferred and illegally deported civilians, primarily the Ukrainian children, and contribute to international efforts to bring responsible for organising the illegal deportation and displacement of Ukrainian children, persons and organisations to justice in accordance with international law and, when applicable, the decisions of international judicial institutions.

Compensation for damage, loss and injury caused by Russian aggression

1. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to holding Russia accountable for causing losses or damage to individuals and entities, as well as to the state of Ukraine, as a result of its internationally wrongful acts in Ukraine or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of international law. They reaffirm that Russia must bear the legal responsibility, including making reparation for any damage caused by such acts, which will also help deter future attacks and support Ukraine’s recovery.
2. Russian sovereign assets should remain immobilised until the Russian Federation has paid for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. Working with its partners in the EU and the G7+, Poland will pursue all routes through which Russian assets can be used to support Ukraine, in accordance with international and European Union law.
3. The Participants will continue to work together, along with G7 states and other partners, towards the establishment of an international compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russian aggression, as envisaged by the Statute of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine adopted by the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers’ Resolution CM/Res(2023)3. In this regard, the Participants will explore appropriate options for the financing of an international compensation mechanism to provide prompt and adequate compensation to victims of aggression.

Accountability

1. The Participants will seek to hold to account those responsible for war crimes and other international crimes, committed in or against Ukraine in the context of Russia’s war of aggression, consistently with international law, including by supporting the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the International Criminal Court, to ensure that alleged international crimes are fully and fairly investigated through independent, effective and robust legal mechanism.
2. The Participants share the conviction on the need to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the establishment of a tribunal to ensure effective accountability. Therefore, Ukraine and Poland will continue their engagement in the “Core Group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine”. The Participants agree that the response of the international community against Russia’s aggression, including through the prosecution of the crime of aggression, is therefore of crucial importance for the future of the international legal order.
3. The Participants recall that Ukraine will ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court including the Amendments on the crime of aggression adopted by the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala, Uganda on 11 June 2010 by Resolution RC/Res.6, as mentioned in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement on the way to its membership in the EU.

VI. Economic stability, recovery and reconstruction

Economic cooperation, recovery and reconstruction

1. The Polish contribution to the Ukrainian resistance has been recognised when Poland joined the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine as an observer and through its subsequent application for full membership. Both Participants will continue to use and strengthen the coordination mechanisms established within the Platform, including through involvement of the representatives of the business communities. Both participants pledge to continue to work towards the full membership of Poland in the Steering Committee of the Platform and other current or future relevant fora and mechanisms taking into account Poland’s strategic significance for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine and the contributions Poland has already made.
2. Poland has become an international hub for Ukraine’s recovery. The Participants acknowledge the significant role that Poland has played in facilitating the deliveries of equipment, as well as spare parts and components for the reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy and petroleum system.
3. In this regard the Participants recognise the need to further cooperate on modernising the border infrastructure, also linked to veterinary and phytosanitary controls, including through transparent implementation of projects financed by the tied aid credit provided by Poland, as well as close coordination of customs and border services.
4. In coordination within the EU and with relevant international organisations and international financial institutions, Poland will seek to facilitate support towards Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, particularly through the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine. The Participants will continue to strengthen coordination mechanisms for joint efforts to support reconstruction and encourage private sector-led engagement, including through mechanisms established in the Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation on reconstruction of Ukraine signed between the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland and the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine in Warsaw in April 2023.
5. The Participants acknowledge the need for strong cooperation of private, non-governmental sectors and local government bodies in projects aiming at restoration, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine. The Participants will work together to strengthen private-sector cooperation by taking advantage of the work of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) branch office in Warsaw.
6. The Participants agree that the recovery and reconstruction efforts need to be transparent and accountable to the Ukrainian society and the international community, and should be conducted in accordance with recognised international standards, regulations and best practices, especially in the area of fighting corruption, including applicable directly for the law enforcement.
7. Poland will closely cooperate with Ukraine to identify and develop appropriate and effective distribution channels in order to limit negative impact on agricultural markets and ensure fair competition on the Single Market.
8. Poland will continue to offer Ukraine support in boosting its human capital and institutional capacity by sharing the experience in the area of economic transformation, institution building, local government reform, particularly with the view of the EU accession negotiations.
9. Poland will support Ukraine to build increased institutional, economic and social resilience. This will include support to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in multiple critical areas that bolster their emergency response and improve civil protection, including civil defence. A special focus will be placed to ensure inclusive social recovery in the education and health sector, in particular to meet the needs of those most vulnerable.
10. As efforts continue to rebuild Ukraine and promote economic recovery, it is imperative to recognise the crucial role of entrepreneurs. Poland has already introduced numerous facilitations for Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
11. Ukraine agrees that simplified and accelerated procedures should be introduced to also facilitate the entry of Polish companies on the Ukrainian market. This should include fast-track procedures for obtaining licences, permits and registration, allowing Polish entrepreneurs to establish their presence quickly and efficiently.
12. The Participants will collaborate with Ukrainian enterprises to replace critically important industrial equipment that was damaged or destroyed during the war, at the same time strengthening mutual efforts to rebuild the destroyed and damaged industry.
13. Recognising that many members of Ukraine’s security and defence forces and their families will continue to suffer from the impacts of injuries and illnesses resulting from Russia’s aggression, the Participants will expand cooperation on veterans policy by sharing strategies, standards, frameworks and best practices for supporting veterans of war and their family members through their transition to civilian life and successful reintegration into the social and economic fabric of society.
14. The Participants recognise the need to unite efforts aimed at protecting the population and territories of Ukraine from the negative consequences caused by mines and explosive remnants of war as a result of the Russian aggression and alleviating the devastating consequences after its completion. Poland will continue supporting combat and humanitarian demining, risk education initiatives, and capacity building.
15. The Participants are committed to strengthening cooperation within the OECD to achieve progress towards OECD membership by Ukraine. Poland reiterates that Ukraine belongs to the family of like-minded nations and developing economies undergoing crucial reforms. Ukraine already plays a substantial role regionally as well as in the global scale, deserving in the future its right place in the OECD family. Poland commends Ukraine’s efforts aimed at the implementation of reforms under extremely challenging circumstances. Poland aims to continue providing its experience and expertise to support Ukraine’s Action Plan to Implement the OECD Country Programme for Ukraine and to continue supporting financially the OECD Ukraine Liaison Office in Kyiv, as part of an initial accession dialogue. To this end, Poland has also allocated a voluntary contribution in 2022 and 2023 of 180,000 EUR to create and enable the operation of the Ukraine Desk at the OECD Secretariat. Poland will consider continuing this practice.
16. Energy security remains crucial for Ukraine’s resilience. In line with Poland’s co-lead role in the Ukrainian Peace Formula Working Group on Energy Security, together with Denmark and Norway, as well as participation in the G7+ format discussions, Poland will continue its support to Ukraine’s energy sector.
17. Ukraine will continue its efforts to improve its regulatory framework in line with the EU regulations in the energy and telecommunications sector and to ensure its long-term predictability and effective enforcement to create optimal conditions for further cooperation and future investments in the energy and telecommunications sector.
18. The Participants acknowledge that the logic of the newly created Ukraine Facility is to direct the EU’s financial support towards the implementation of the reconstruction plan proposed by Ukraine and subsequently approved by the EU, referred to as the Ukraine Plan. The Ukraine Plan shall include a vision for recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine, and support for the reforms required on the path to EU membership. Poland is ready to support Ukraine in the entire process of implementation of the Ukraine Plan.

Connectivity

1. The Participants will continue their efforts to expand the network of mutual transport links and related infrastructure, including related to agricultural products, and in the area of transport, in particular rail, road, air, as well as to ensure efficient utilisation of existing cross-border electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, and identify conditions necessary to provide firm capacity to transport natural gas from Poland to Ukraine, including the supply of liquefied natural gas from Polish LNG terminals.
2. In relation to roads construction, Poland is extending the expressways network towards Ukraine, in particular expressways S12 and S17. The last section of S12 expressway before the border is co-financed with funds awarded under the CEF competition, which Poland and Ukraine entered together. Poland is hoping for the prompt construction of extensions to the above-mentioned expressways on the Ukrainian side, which will provide a direct West-East Road link.
3. Regarding the railways, in 2023 Poland has restored the railway border crossing point (BCP) at the Polish-Ukrainian Border Hrebenne-Rawa Ruska. In the near future, the new railway BCP Malhowice-Niżankowice will be opened. Poland is also preparing to modernise the railway lines towards Ukraine, expecting a further increase of traffic. The Participants will focus on modernisation of the junction of above all the standard and also broad-gauge lines (1435 and 1520 mm) at BCPs, the development of transhipment terminal infrastructure along railway line 65, and in the Chełm and Medyka region (including intermodal terminals).
4. Poland is interested in opening of the Ukrainian skies promptly after the end of Russian aggression. Poland has organised training for the Ukrainian air traffic controllers, which allows them to preserve their entitlement to practise their profession.
5. Poland will make all efforts to continue enabling free access to communication services for Ukrainian citizens from Ukraine and those who fled to Poland due to the Russian invasion. In 2022 and 2023, Poland purchased and transferred to Ukraine almost 20,000 terminals of the Starlink Satellite Communication System (as part of a loan). Poland covered the subscription fees, and the support is being continued for 2024.
6. Since 2023, in response to the destruction of energy infrastructure, including the infrastructure used to power devices and elements of telecommunications infrastructure, Poland expanded its scope of assistance by purchasing and making available to Ukraine devices for storing electricity for the purposes of emergency power supply of communications infrastructure in the territory of Ukraine for its citizens.
7. Poland will also support digital connectivity in Ukraine by offering other connectivity methods.
8. Poland will continue its support for Ukraine within the International Telecommunication Union by taking relevant measures, like the adoption of Resolution 1408 on Assistance and support to Ukraine for rebuilding its telecommunication sector.

VII. People-to-people contacts and local governments’ cooperation

1. Based upon the recent experience of solidarity and unprecedented assistance provided by the Polish society to persons from Ukraine who have fled areas affected by the Russian aggression, Ukraine and Poland will strive to develop further deep and comprehensive long-term partnership and ties between regional and local institutions as well as people-to-people contacts in all relevant areas.

1. The Participants will work together to strengthen cooperation between municipalities/communes of Ukraine and Poland at the local government level based on existing and future partnership agreements.

VIII. Humanitarian assistance

1. As Ukraine continues early recovery and reconstruction, the Participants will ensure continuation of life-saving humanitarian aid where it is needed. The Participants will work together to ensure targeted humanitarian response to those in need, including population in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Wherever possible, the Participants will progressively shift the response to Ukrainian systems of social service provision and nationally led delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Participants will work together to provide capacity and funding in the hands of Ukrainian local authorities and local Ukrainian organisations that are the most capable of driving the operational delivery of humanitarian services.

IX. Reforms

1. Poland recognises the progress Ukraine has made in implementing reforms. Ukraine will continue its ambitious reform process with a particular focus on the reform areas set out for accession to the EU and outlined in the European Commission’s recommendations of 8 November 2023, most notably justice, rule of law, decentralisation, fight against corruption and money laundering, security sector and state management, which underscore Ukraine’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and media freedoms.
2. The Participants welcome the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine which should be followed with the next procedural steps, i.e. screening and formal launching of the accession negotiations. Poland commends the progress that Ukraine has made towards meeting the objectives underpinning the accession process.
3. Ukraine will continue its ambitious reform path to meet the obligations required for EU membership. The Participants agree on the importance of continuation and conclusion by Ukraine of the systemic reforms in the defence and security sectors, including civil control of the armed forces and the efficiency and transparency of the defence institutions and defence industry of Ukraine.
4. Ukraine acknowledges the need to take additional steps with regard to reforms in the area of fight against corruption and money laundering, justice and rule of law, decentralisation, protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, transparency, food safety and quality, as well as good governance in the economic, agricultural and defence and security sector.
5. Ukraine takes good note that aligning its legislation and practical implementation of the EU acquis, notably related to production, trade, transportation, veterinary and phytosanitary standards, the use of plant protection products, and institutional base are fundamental to meet the requirements of the EU’s Single Market and determine the future success of the multilateral cooperation of Ukraine.
6. Ukraine commits to continue the process of decentralisation reforms as well as to strengthen and modernise administration both at the central and subnational levels.
7. The Participants agree that the implementation of these reforms will contribute to strengthening democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and fulfilment of basic EU requirements related to the Single Market, as well as reconstruction, modernisation and resilience of the Ukrainian state.
8. All reforms will be undertaken according to the priority reform areas set out for accession to the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) benchmarks, and in close coordination with major donors, in particular the International Financial Institutions, the EU and the G7. Poland will continue to support Ukraine on this path and is ready to provide tailored administrative support.
9. With this in mind, Poland will support Ukraine in delivering its reform agenda and provide technical support for the implementation of the necessary reforms, particularly as regards decentralisation, regional development, modernisation of the state apparatus, fight against corruption. Poland is ready to deploy technical experts embedded in the Ukrainian administration.

X. Final provisions

1. The Participants will implement this Agreement in accordance with international and domestic law.
2. The Participants will, if necessary, designate authorised bodies for the development and implementation of bilateral agreements in accordance with the areas of cooperation specified in this Agreement.
3. The Participants will inform each other through diplomatic channels of the authorised bodies responsible for implementing this Agreement.
4. The authorised bodies of the Participants can conclude executive and technical agreements on specific areas of cooperation within the framework of the implementation of this Agreement.
5. This Agreement is valid for ten (10) years from the date of its signature.
6. In accordance with the G7 Joint Declaration, the Participants intend this Agreement to remain in effect as Ukraine pursues its path to membership in the Euro-Atlantic community.
7. In the event that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO before the expiration of this Agreement, the Participants will decide on its future status.
8. This Agreement may be terminated by either Participant by giving written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement to the other Participant. This Agreement shall be terminated six (6) months from the date of receipt of such notice. The termination will not affect the implementation of ongoing activities or projects, which have been decided prior to the date of its termination, unless Ukraine and Poland decide otherwise.
9. This Agreement may be amended and supplemented, including by adding annexes thereto, by mutual agreement of the Participants, which shall be made in writing.
10. This Agreement will come into effect immediately upon signature.

Signed in Warsaw on 8 July 2024, in duplicate, in the Ukrainian, Polish and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the text in English shall prevail.

For Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

For Poland: Prime Minister Donald Tusk