Prince William thanks troops during secret mission to base along Ukrainian border
Prince William is making a surprise two-day visit to Poland, starting at a military base along the border with Ukraine on Wednesday to thank troops for their commitment to helping the country defend against Russia.
“I just wanted to come here in person to thank you for all you do, to keep everyone safe here and to keep an eye on what’s going on,” the Prince of Wales told British and Polish troops gathered at Rzeszow, a city in the southwest of the country that has become a hub for military and humanitarian aid shipments to Ukraine.
The city is about 40 miles from the Ukrainian border and is also a hub for refugees.
“You are doing really important work here and defending our freedoms is really important, and everyone back home supports you wholeheartedly,” he added.
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Prince William made a secret visit to Poland on Wednesday. (Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
The base, which also includes US troops, is used to secure Polish airspace and help send aid to Ukraine, according to the BBC.
After leaving base, William flew to Warsaw where he planned to visit a refugee center that houses around 300 women and children. The prince’s visit was kept secret for security reasons until he left the base along the Ukrainian border.
“Our nations have strong ties,” the prince said of Poland and Britain. “Thanks to our cooperation in favor of the Ukrainian people and their freedom, which are also our freedoms and yours, these bonds are further strengthened.”
Prince William met the Mayor of Warsaw during his visit. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
He added: “I am here because I want to personally thank the Polish and British troops who are working in close and crucial partnership. I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your hearts as much as your houses.”
On Thursday, he is expected to meet Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Prince William visited refugee children in Warsaw. (Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
Several British politicians, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have visited the region to show their support for Ukraine, but William is the first member of the royal family to visit Poland since the invasion of Russia Last year.
In May, King Charles traveled to Romania to meet Ukrainian refugees.
Prince William’s visit was kept secret for security reasons until he left the base along the Ukrainian border and flew to Warsaw. (Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
The UK has been one of the most committed supporters of strengthening NATO’s eastern flank in the face of Russian aggression. The country has sent troops to Poland and the Baltic states and provided more than $2.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine. He also pledged $269 million in humanitarian aid.
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William, a veteran and former civilian sea-to-air rescue pilot, has also been a strong supporter of Ukraine.
The 40-year-old last visited Poland in 2017 with his wife Kate Middleton. They also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife at Buckingham Palace in 2020.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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