Polish ally Mateusz Morawiecki said Poland will no longer supply weapons to Kyiv. He claims they will instead focus on rebuilding their own weapon stocks. His pronouncement has raised eyebrows in many countries, including among Ukraine’s Western allies.
Poland Ukraine’s Termination of Arms Export
It isn’t clear how much of a change his comments will have for Poland. The country acts as the conduit for almost all foreign weapons transfers to Ukraine. During the conflict, it supplied everything from Leopard 2 tanks to Soviet-era MiG fighter jets.
Poland spent billions on other forms of aid. From the construction of temporary houses for refugees. To donate medical supplies and power generators.
The help made a difference in the lives of people like Svitlana Vasilevskaya. She fled to Poland with her daughters last year after Russians stormed their village. The Polish government and the Polish public helped her.
Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda, later clarified the prime minister’s remarks. He said no new Polish weapons will ship to Ukraine. A government spokesman also insisted that only agreed arms deliveries would be completed.
Analysts say Poland’s move comes amid growing signs of Ukraine fatigue in Polish society. Analysts say that in the end, Ukraine’s fighting capabilities are unlikely to be affected by Poland’s decision. They say it is a clear sign that Warsaw is using the dispute over Ukraine to show toughness toward Kyiv during its upcoming election campaign.
Michal Baranowski is an analyst at the Warsaw-based GMF East think tank. Baranowski says Poland’s attempt to show resolve should be understood in that context.
And he adds that any solution to the dispute will have to wait until after the elections are over. He also argues the government should stop blaming Ukraine’s troubles on the farmers. Their losses are hurting the economy.
