Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz voiced harsh criticism against Ukrainians of conscription age who are currently abroad. Speaking on the TVP Info channel, he stated that all young Ukrainian citizens capable of serving must return to their homeland to participate in the defense against Russian aggression.
Criticism of refugees' lifestyle
The Polish official expressed deep dissatisfaction with the behavior of some Ukrainians who have evacuated from the combat zone. According to him, the situation where Ukrainian citizens allow themselves the luxury of driving cars worth millions of zlotys during wartime is unacceptable.
«All young Ukrainians fit for combat must be in Ukraine and serve their country there», — emphasized Kosiniak-Kamysz, insisting on the priority of military duty over comfort abroad.
Warning about internal threats
In addition to demands on Ukrainian citizens, the head of the Polish Ministry of Defense criticized his own political opposition. He pointed out dangerous anti-Ukrainian sentiments, which, in his opinion, are being fueled by far-right politicians and the «Law and Justice» party.
The Minister reminded of the merits of the Polish people, noting that Poland deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for its hospitality. During the conflict, the country has taken in three million refugees, opening their doors without setting up camps. However, Kosiniak-Kamysz warned that this humanitarianism is now facing an «exploded fanaticism» that has turned into a serious threat.
Changes in refugee status and assistance upon return
Against the backdrop of these statements, the issue of the legal status of Ukrainians in the EU is becoming more relevant. In July, the European Commission plans to present significant changes to the Temporary Protection Directive — the most significant since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
According to media reports, the right to receive temporary protection may be linked to the presence of a special certificate of unfitness for service or exemption from mobilization, which will be issued by authorized Ukrainian authorities.
For those ready to return to their homeland, a special platform «Dodomu» is already functioning. The service helps to form a step-by-step repatriation plan, including finding housing, employment, document processing, and enrolling children in educational institutions.
