Prince William praises Polish efforts
Visit in support of ally that’s helping Ukraine
WARSAW, Poland — Prince William traveled to Poland on Wednesday for a surprise visit that underscored Britain’s support for a nation on the front line of efforts to help refugees displaced by Russia’s war in Ukraine and to assist the Ukrainian military in fighting off the invasion.
The heir to the throne met with British and Polish troops in Rzeszow, a city of 200,000 people in southeastern Poland that has become a hub for shipments of military and humanitarian aid bound for Ukraine.
“I just wanted to come here in person to say thank you for all that you’re doing, keeping everyone safe out here and keeping an eye on what’s going on,” William said as he spoke to the troops.
“You’re doing a really important job out here and defending our freedoms is really important, and everyone back home thoroughly supports you,” he said.
Located just 40 miles from the Ukrainian border, Rzeszow is also a key transit point for refugees.
William later landed in Warsaw, where he visited a center that houses about 300 recent arrivals from Ukraine, meeting Ukrainians and playing table tennis with children.
He praised the strong ties between the people of the U.K. and Poland.
“I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people,” the prince said. “You have opened your hearts as much as your homes.”
The U.K. has been one of the most outspoken supporters of bolstering NATO’S eastern flank. The country sent troops to Poland and the Baltic states and provided more than $2.8 billion of military aid to Ukraine.