Poland halts Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine
Photo: Donald Tusk (Getty Images)
Poland currently has no plans to transfer additional missiles for Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
When asked by journalists about the possibility of new deliveries, Tusk replies that the country does not have large stockpiles of these missiles.
"You’ve also noticed the uproar caused by our completely unnecessary, frankly shocking decision to transfer five Patriot missile defense systems in full agreement with NATO and the Americans. At this time, we do not expect such a transfer," he says.
Despite the restrictions on missile supplies, the Polish Prime Minister assured continued support for Kyiv.
"I do not approve of this anti-Ukrainian rhetoric in Poland, and as long as I am Prime Minister, Poland will actively participate in providing aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia," Tusk emphasizes.
A political debate has arisen in Poland over the transfer of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems to Ukraine, which Warsaw considers a key element of its own air defense.
Sejm Deputy Speaker Krzysztof Bosak claimed that the government had allegedly transferred these missiles to Kyiv without consulting parliament. According to him, Sejm deputies did not approve such a decision.
Later, Donald Tusk confirmed that Poland had indeed transferred missiles for the Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine to strengthen its defense against Russian air attacks.
Amid the criticism, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz defended the decision. He stated that he would prefer Polish Patriot missiles to shoot down Russian targets over Kyiv rather than over Warsaw.
