Prince William thanks troops throughout secret mission to base alongside Ukraine border

Prince William is making a shock two-day go to to Poland, beginning with a army base alongside the border with Ukraine Wednesday to thank troops for his or her dedication to serving to the nation defend itself in opposition to Russia. 

“I simply needed to come back right here in particular person to say thanks for all that you simply’re doing, conserving everybody secure out right here and keeping track of what’s occurring,” the Prince of Wales informed British and Polish troops gathered in Rzeszow, a metropolis within the southwest of the nation that has develop into a hub for shipments of army and humanitarian help sure for Ukraine.

The town is round 40 miles from the Ukrainian border and can also be a transit hub for refugees. 

“You’re doing a very vital job out right here and defending our freedoms is basically vital, and everybody again residence completely helps you,” he added.

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The bottom, which additionally contains U.S. troops, is used to safe Polish airspace and assist ship help to Ukraine, in response to the BBC. 

After he left the bottom, William flew to Warsaw the place he deliberate to tour a refugee middle that homes round 300 girls and youngsters. The prince’s go to was saved secret for safety causes till he left the bottom alongside Ukraine’s border. 

“Our nations have sturdy ties,” the prince stated of Poland and Britain. “Via our co-operation in help of the individuals of Ukraine and their freedom, that are additionally our freedoms and yours, these ties are additional strengthened.”

He added, “I am right here as a result of I wish to personally thank the Polish and British troops working in shut and essential partnership. I additionally wish to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish individuals. You have got opened your hearts as a lot as your houses.”

On Thursday, he’s anticipated to fulfill with Polish President Andrzej Duda. 

A number of U.Ok. politicians, together with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson have been to the area to point out help for Ukraine, however William is the primary senior royal to go to Poland since Russia’s invasion final yr. 

In Could, King Charles traveled to Romania to fulfill with Ukrainian refugees.

The U.Ok. has been one of the dedicated supporters of bolstering NATO’s japanese flank within the face of Russia’s aggression. The nation despatched troops to Poland and the Baltic states and supplied greater than $2.eight billion of army help to Ukraine. It additionally has pledged $269 million in humanitarian help.

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William, a veteran and former civilian sea-air rescue pilot, has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine as properly. 

The 40-year-old final visited Poland in 2017 with spouse Kate Middleton. Additionally they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his spouse at Buckingham Palace in 2020. 

The Related Press contributed to this report. 

This text was initially printed by foxnews.com. Learn the original article here.