Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk officially confirmed the transfer of missiles for the Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. The statement was made during the head of government's visit to a military aviation plant, where he discussed the details of cooperation with Kyiv in the field of air defense.
Protection Against Ballistic Threats
According to information received by RBC-Ukraine citing the Polish publication RMF24, the transferred systems are capable of effectively intercepting Russian missiles, including Iskander ballistic missiles. In recent hours, the topic of Patriot missiles has become one of the most discussed in Polish society, however, Tusk called for avoiding the politicization of the issue.
"We may ask ourselves to what extent we should help refugees and migrants here in Poland, but we must by no means jeopardize our cooperation with Ukraine in defending it against Russian aggression," the Prime Minister emphasized.
National Security of Warsaw
Tusk argued the necessity of military aid not only on grounds of solidarity but also due to a direct threat to Poland's national security. According to him, every successfully shot-down projectile, drone, or aircraft of the aggressor over Ukraine reduces risks for Warsaw itself.
"Every precisely fired missile in Ukraine that destroys the aggressor's drones, missiles, projectiles, and aircraft contributes to the increased security of Poland," the head of government stated.
Internal Criticism and Tusk's Response
The decision to transfer weapons sparked a heated reaction in the Polish Sejm. Deputy Speaker Krzysztof Bosak previously stated that deputies had not agreed to the transfer of missiles, which are considered part of the country's own air shield. To this, Tusk responded sharply, reminding them that the large-scale delivery of weapons was initiated by the previous government, and at that time, no one questioned it.
The Prime Minister urged politicians not to use military aid as a tool for internal struggle. "You are not on the side of Russia, right? I am addressing those who want to stop military aid to Ukraine. This cannot be allowed," he declared.
Tusk assured that aid to Ukraine is carefully planned so as not to weaken Poland's own defense capabilities. He warned that disagreements on security issues could cost the country too high a price and called on Poles to maintain unity in the face of external threats.
