Poles protected from imprisonment for serving in ranks of Armed Forces of Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Poles are now no longer at risk of imprisonment for serving in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Getty Images)
The Polish Sejm adopted a law granting immunity from criminal liability to citizens who voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to repel Russian aggression, PAP reports.
The document, drafted by deputies of the Civic Coalition, provides for the "forgiveness and remission" of crimes and offenses related to:
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Joining the Ukrainian army without the official consent of the competent authorities of Poland;
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Conducting recruitment for such service;
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Violating the provisions of the law on national defense and the law on universal military duty.
Conditions for exemption from liability
The termination of criminal liability covers actions committed between February 24, 2022, and December 31, 2026.
The provisions of the law apply exclusively to service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the authority of Ukraine’s legitimate government. The document does not cover service in mercenary military formations prohibited under international law.
Duties of volunteers
According to the provisions of the law, after returning to Poland, a citizen is required to:
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Submit a written declaration to the Minister of National Defense specifying the dates and locations of their service;
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Provide the declaration under the threat of liability for giving false testimony;
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Have the information in the document classified as "for official use."
The Minister of Defense will provide these data to the relevant military authorities and the prosecutor’s office to close or prevent criminal proceedings.
The drafters of the law emphasize that the provisions do not encourage participation in combat, but are solely aimed at ensuring that criminal proceedings are not initiated against Polish citizens for defending Ukraine’s freedom and independence.
Under Polish law, a citizen who serves in a foreign army or foreign military organization without the consent of the relevant authority faces a penalty of imprisonment from three months to five years.
Deployment of the Polish military to Ukraine
Previously, the Polish government officially confirmed that the country will not take direct part in peacekeeping missions on Ukrainian territory after the war ends.
Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that this position has remained unchanged for many months and is supported both by the government coalition and Polish society.
