Ukraine and Poland should expand economic cooperation and develop joint production, particularly in the defense industry. This was stated by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov in a video address at the opening of the Ukrainian-Polish business forum “Win-Win: Poland and Ukraine in the Common EU Market,” held in Warsaw on November 13.
Kyrylo Budanov noted that trade between Ukraine and Poland amounted to nearly $13 billion in 2025. He said that Ukraine’s integration into the EU will open up new opportunities for Polish companies in the Ukrainian market, in logistics, and in joint production.
“Polish businesses in the defense industry can make money together with us while strengthening, first and foremost, Poland’s direct security,” the Head of the Office of the President said.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Oleksii Sobolev noted that Ukraine is interested in large-scale joint projects involving state-owned companies from both countries and in building joint supply chains. He stressed the need to increase Polish investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction and develop joint defense production, given the threat Russia poses to both countries.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Olena Kovalska highlighted the presence of Polish companies in Ukraine’s manufacturing and retail sectors. Areas where Ukraine needs investment and cooperation include energy and oil and gas extraction.
She also drew attention to the contribution of Ukrainians who found refuge in Poland from Russian aggression to the development of the Polish economy. According to a Deloitte estimate for UNHCR, their contribution amounted to around 2.4% of Poland’s GDP in 2025. Ukrainians work, start their own businesses, create jobs, and pay taxes in the country that has given them protection.
According to Olena Kovalska, Poland can host production facilities for Ukrainian companies that are seeking new locations because of the war and plan to serve the Ukrainian market. For the Polish economy, this would mean additional tax revenue and new jobs; for Ukrainian businesses, it would mean an opportunity to continue production and meet the needs of consumers in Ukraine.
The Win-Win Ukrainian-Polish Business Forum was held at the EXPO XXI exhibition center in Warsaw as part of ReBuild Ukraine 2026, under the patronage of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Government officials, business associations, and companies from both countries discussed economic cooperation, collaboration between defense companies, and investment opportunities in Ukraine. Speakers at the forum included Ukraine’s Minister of Economy and Environment Oleksandr Kravchenko and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the EU Taras Kachka.