Poland confirms Patriot missile transfer to Ukraine
Donald Tusk (photo: Getty Images)
Poland has confirmed the transfer of missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine to help protect against Russian attacks, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, according to RMF24.
During a visit to a military aviation plant, the head of government confirmed that Warsaw had provided Kyiv with Patriot air defense systems. These systems are capable of effectively intercepting Russian missiles, including Iskander ballistic missiles.
"In recent hours, there has been a lot of talk about Patriot missiles, meaning the missiles that Poland transferred to Ukraine. (...) We may ask ourselves to what extent we should help refugees and migrants here in Poland, but under no circumstances can we jeopardize our cooperation with Ukraine in defending it against Russian aggression," he said.
Tusk assured that military assistance to Ukraine is carefully planned, so the transfer of weapons does not weaken Poland's own defense capabilities.
Helping Ukraine means protecting Poland
The Polish prime minister stressed that supporting Kyiv is not only a matter of decency or solidarity, as it directly concerns Poland's own national security.
"Every missile successfully launched in Ukraine that destroys the aggressor's drones, missiles, shells, and aircraft contributes to improving Poland's security," Tusk emphasized.
He called on politicians not to turn military aid into a tool of domestic political struggle. According to the Polish politician, historical disputes or issues related to Ukrainian refugees should not undermine defense cooperation between the two countries.
Call for unity
The head of the Polish government recalled that the previous government had begun the large-scale transfer of weapons. At the time, no one criticized the decision because everyone understood its importance for the country's interests.
"You're not on Russia's side, are you? I am addressing those who want to stop military aid to Ukraine. This must not be allowed," Tusk said.
He added that Poles must remain united on security issues. Otherwise, the country could pay too high a price for divisions.
A dispute recently erupted over Patriot interceptor missiles, which Warsaw considers part of its own air shield.
In particular, Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Krzysztof Bosak said that the Polish government may have transferred the missiles to Ukraine. According to him, members of the Sejm had not approved such a decision.
