Ukraine's FM responds to Duda's remarks on rise in crime after war ends
Photo: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry responds to Duda's remarks on the rise in crime after the war ends (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs disagrees with the statements made by Polish President Andrzej Duda, who suggested that the end of the Russian war against Ukraine could lead to a surge in international organized crime, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The Ministry emphasized that Kyiv is grateful to Poland for its significant support to Ukraine, and personally to President Duda for his consistent advocacy for Ukraine's interests and calls for increased support from international partners.
"At the same time, we do not agree with the portrayal of Ukrainian soldiers, who today risk their lives defending Europe from the Russian invasion, as a potential threat to European security," the Ministry stated.
According to the press service, since 2014, when hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have already gone through the frontlines, there has been no significant increase in crime or threats to Poland or Europe.
Furthermore, from the first years of Russian aggression, Ukraine has prioritized the adaptation, socialization, and integration of soldiers, and is counting on continued support from international partners in this important work.
"Ukrainian soldiers and veterans are not a threat but a security factor for Ukraine, Poland, and all of Europe. They are the guarantors of a free and stable European future. We are convinced that the brave Ukrainian men and women, who have taken a stand to defend their country and the entire world from Russian invaders, deserve the highest respect," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded.
What Duda said
Today, Polish President Andrzej Duda said that the end of Russia's war against Ukraine could lead to a rise in international organized crime. In his opinion, Kyiv will need “massive support” to ensure its security.
"Imagine the situation when thousands of people who have come from the front lines return home. Many of those who are fighting Russia will have psychological issues... They will return to their villages, their cities, where they will find destroyed houses, ruined factories, a lack of jobs and prospects," said Duda.
