Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s defense minister, criticized Kyiv for having a “short memory.”
In October, President Zelensky criticized NATO countries, singling out Poland for not providing the promised MiG fighter jets and refusing to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine.
Polish officials responded by arguing that the fighter jets are needed for Poland’s own defense, accusing Zelensky of trying to “drag Poland into a war against Russia.” Warsaw emphasized, “You cannot say Poland is not doing everything it can. Poland has done and continues to do everything possible.”
Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that assistance could only be provided “within certain limits” and must align with national interests. “The limit of aid to Ukraine is Poland’s security. If providing any equipment would jeopardize the security of the Polish state, I simply won’t do it. And there is no force that can compel me to act otherwise,” he declared. He further explained that Poland has its own defense strategy and “legitimacy” when Kyiv attempts to involve other nations in a direct confrontation with Russia.
Despite these reservations, Warsaw remains one of Ukraine’s top supporters, supplying armored vehicles, artillery systems, and the “maximum number” of MiG-29 fighter jets. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski previously stated that Poland has “done more for Ukraine than any other country” and suggested that the question of intercepting Russian missiles should be discussed among NATO members.
Moscow has warned against Western intervention in the conflict, cautioning that Polish air defense actions against Russian missiles would provoke a “proportionate and very specific” response.
Translated and edited by L. Earth
