WARSAW, Poland — WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Prince William traveled to Poland on Wednesday for a shock go to that underscored Britain’s help for a nation on the entrance line of efforts to assist refugees displaced by Russia’s struggle in Ukraine and to help the Ukrainian army in combating off the invasion.

The inheritor to the throne met with British and Polish troops in Rzeszow, a metropolis of 200,000 individuals in southeastern Poland that has change into a hub for shipments of army and humanitarian help sure for Ukraine.

“I simply wished to come back right here in individual to say thanks for all that you just’re doing, retaining everybody secure out right here and maintaining a tally of what’s happening,” William mentioned as he spoke to the troops.

“You’re doing a extremely vital job out right here and defending our freedoms is admittedly vital, and everybody again dwelling totally helps you,” he mentioned.

Situated simply 65 kilometers (40 miles) from the Ukrainian border, Rzeszow can be a key transit level for refugees.

William later landed in Warsaw, the place he visited a middle that homes about 300 current arrivals from Ukraine, assembly Ukrainians and taking part in desk tennis with youngsters.

He praised the sturdy ties between the individuals of the U.Okay. and Poland, and the cooperation undertaken in help of Ukraine.

“I additionally need to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish individuals,” the prince mentioned. “You could have opened your hearts as a lot as your houses.”

The U.Okay. has been one of the crucial outspoken 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 offered greater than 2.3 billion kilos ($2.8 billion) of army help to Ukraine. It additionally has pledged 220 million kilos ($269 million) of humanitarian help.

However deploying the favored 40-year-old prince, a army veteran who additionally labored as a civilian air-sea rescue pilot, provides a extra private contact. Whereas British political leaders have visited Poland repeatedly to trumpet their help for NATO and the Ukrainian trigger, a senior royal like William is an emblem of the nation who can thank army personnel for his or her service with out the bags of social gathering politics.

The prince’s deliberate conferences with refugees and volunteers additionally shine the royal highlight on efforts to shelter the a whole bunch of 1000’s of Ukrainians who’ve settled in Poland over the previous yr.

On Thursday, he’s additionally scheduled to fulfill with President Andrzej Duda and to speak with younger Ukrainians who’re working and learning in Poland.

“Our nations have sturdy ties,” William mentioned Wednesday. ”By way of our cooperation in help of the individuals of Ukraine and their freedom, that are additionally our freedoms and yours, these ties are additional strengthened.”

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Kirka contributed from London.

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Comply with AP’s protection of the struggle in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine