Polish Official Criticizes Ukrainians for 'short memories'
Defense chief Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that military assistance to Kiev must not compromise Poland's own security. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has expressed concerns about the impact of military aid to Ukraine on Poland's own security. His comments came in response to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s accusations that Poland is not providing sufficient support in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelensky criticized NATO nations, particularly Poland, in October for failing to deliver promised MiG fighter jets and for not taking action to intercept Russian missiles targeting western Ukraine. In counterargument, Polish officials maintained that the fighter jets are crucial for Poland's national defense and accused Zelensky of attempting to entangle Poland in the war against Russia.
In an interview with local TVN24, Kosiniak-Kamysz indicated that he had discussed these issues with NATO chief Mark Rutte, emphasizing Poland's substantial contributions to Ukraine's military efforts. "This is important in the context of President Zelensky’s remarks, which carried a tone suggesting that Poland is not doing everything it can," he noted, adding that Ukrainians appear to have a "short memory" regarding Poland's support.
Kosiniak-Kamysz asserted, "You cannot say that Poland is not doing everything possible. Poland has done and continues to do everything possible.” However, he clarified that assistance must remain within “certain limits” and should not compromise Poland's national interests. "The limit of aid for Ukraine is Poland’s security. If transferring any equipment would endanger the security of the Polish state, I simply will not do it. And there is no force that will compel me,” he stated, emphasizing that Poland has its own defense strategy and must guard against being drawn into a direct confrontation with Russia.
Despite these tensions, Warsaw has remained one of Ukraine's leading supporters, supplying armored vehicles, artillery systems, and a significant number of MiG-29 jets. The decision to retain the remaining fleet stems from delays in NATO's provision of F-35 fighter jets, which are not expected to arrive until at least 2026.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has previously remarked that Warsaw “has done more for Ukraine than any other country” and has suggested that discussions regarding the interception of Russian missiles should involve NATO allies. Meanwhile, Moscow has issued warnings about the consequences of Western involvement, asserting that any attempt by Polish air defenses to shoot down Russian missiles would provoke an “adequate and quite specific” response.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Zelensky criticized NATO nations, particularly Poland, in October for failing to deliver promised MiG fighter jets and for not taking action to intercept Russian missiles targeting western Ukraine. In counterargument, Polish officials maintained that the fighter jets are crucial for Poland's national defense and accused Zelensky of attempting to entangle Poland in the war against Russia.
In an interview with local TVN24, Kosiniak-Kamysz indicated that he had discussed these issues with NATO chief Mark Rutte, emphasizing Poland's substantial contributions to Ukraine's military efforts. "This is important in the context of President Zelensky’s remarks, which carried a tone suggesting that Poland is not doing everything it can," he noted, adding that Ukrainians appear to have a "short memory" regarding Poland's support.
Kosiniak-Kamysz asserted, "You cannot say that Poland is not doing everything possible. Poland has done and continues to do everything possible.” However, he clarified that assistance must remain within “certain limits” and should not compromise Poland's national interests. "The limit of aid for Ukraine is Poland’s security. If transferring any equipment would endanger the security of the Polish state, I simply will not do it. And there is no force that will compel me,” he stated, emphasizing that Poland has its own defense strategy and must guard against being drawn into a direct confrontation with Russia.
Despite these tensions, Warsaw has remained one of Ukraine's leading supporters, supplying armored vehicles, artillery systems, and a significant number of MiG-29 jets. The decision to retain the remaining fleet stems from delays in NATO's provision of F-35 fighter jets, which are not expected to arrive until at least 2026.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has previously remarked that Warsaw “has done more for Ukraine than any other country” and has suggested that discussions regarding the interception of Russian missiles should involve NATO allies. Meanwhile, Moscow has issued warnings about the consequences of Western involvement, asserting that any attempt by Polish air defenses to shoot down Russian missiles would provoke an “adequate and quite specific” response.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
