Poland claims Zelenskyy draws Warsaw into war with Russia, Ukraine responds
Flags of Poland and Ukraine (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine's calls to NATO member states, including Poland, to intercept Russian missiles and drones are not attempts to draw Warsaw into the Russia-Ukraine war, as suggested by the Polish Deputy Prime Minister. This statement, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is unfounded, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA).
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to recent remarks made by Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, who suggested that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy allegedly aims to pull Warsaw into Russia's war against Ukraine.
What exactly did the Polish minister say
Yesterday on Radio Zet, Polish official Krzysztof Gawkowski expressed the view that if Poland's armed forces were to intercept Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine, it could ostensibly mean war with Russia.
According to Gawkowski, Zelenskyy wants to draw Poland into a war with Russia.
Wicepremier @KGawkowski o Ukrainie: Prezydent Zełenski chce wciągnąć Polskę do wojny z Rosją. Słowa niegodne, zapomnieli o pomocy. Oczekuję docenienia@RadioZET_NEWS #GośćRadiaZET @BogRymanowski
— Gość Radia ZET (@Gosc_RadiaZET) November 4, 2024
Więcej https://t.co/DLmWBFHayM pic.twitter.com/RigKucMNTV
Reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Gawkowski's comments were unfounded.
"We are convinced that the shooting down of Russian missiles and drones, which approach Poland via the territory of Ukraine, over the territory of Ukraine but not Poland is in the interests of the security of Poland and its citizens," the ministry emphasized.
The statement also reminded us that Russia is waging a war not only against Ukraine but also against the broader European security architecture, an important part of which is Poland.
"Overcoming Russian aggression against Ukraine is Poland's vital interest," the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.
"Taking into account the numerous provocations, cyber attacks and violations of the sovereign airspace of Poland and other European states by Russian missiles and drones, to make statements on the alleged intentions of Ukraine to involve Poland or other countries into the war is considered at least unacceptable," the statement said.
Additionally, the ministry noted that the resistance by the Ukrainian Armed Forces prevents the expansion of the war and potential military threats to Poland.
"We are convinced that amidst the ongoing Russian aggression it is important to maintain and strengthen solidarity between Ukraine and Poland. This is what the policy of the Ukrainian Government is aimed at. We hope that the Polish Government shares this goal," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed.
Questions regarding the downing of Russian missiles over Ukraine
In July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and Poland were working on creating a mechanism that would allow Polish air defense systems to track missiles and drones over Ukrainian territory.
Afterward, Poland's Defense Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, mentioned that Warsaw needed to hold consultations with NATO partners before deciding on this matter.
Yesterday, it was reported that Poland's Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, suggested that the issue of intercepting Russian missiles in Ukrainian airspace by NATO forces could be raised during upcoming discussions at the NATO ministers' meeting.
