Polish President: Statement on stopping arms supplies to Ukraine was misunderstood

Polish President Duda stated that Prime Minister Morawiecki's comments about halting arms transfers to Ukraine were misinterpreted, given the strained relations between the two countries.

"Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's words have been misinterpreted in the worst possible way. In my opinion, the Prime Minister meant that we will not transfer to Ukraine the new weapons we are purchasing to modernize the Polish army," Polish President Andrzej Duda said on September 21.

Poland has been one of Ukraine's most ardent supporters since the outbreak of hostilities in February 2022 and is one of Kyiv's main arms suppliers. Poland has provided Ukraine with T-72 tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and other weapons.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on September 20 that he would halt arms aid to Ukraine to focus on building its own defense, amid escalating tensions between the two countries over agricultural exports. Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller later stated that Poland would continue to deliver weapons and ammunition under existing agreements, including contracts already signed with Ukraine.

Poland has signed numerous arms deals, including with the US and South Korea, from which it has ordered K2 "Black Panther" tanks and K9 artillery to modernize its military.

"When we receive new weapons from the US and South Korea, we will transfer the type of weapons currently used by the Polish army. Perhaps we will transfer them to Ukraine," President Duda emphasized.

Polish President Andrzej Duda speaks during a parade of armed forces in Warsaw on August 15. Photo: AFP — Polish President Andrzej Duda speaks during a parade of armed forces in Warsaw on August 15. Photo: *AFP*

In addition to supplying its own weapons, Poland is also a crucial transit country for weapons that the US and other Western countries are sending to Ukraine. Poland has also taken in approximately one million Ukrainian refugees since the fighting began.

Relations between Warsaw and Kyiv have escalated in tension after Poland unilaterally maintained its ban on Ukrainian grain imports last week, despite the European Commission announcing the lifting of the ban imposed in May. Hungary and Slovakia also protested the European Commission's decision.

Ukraine retaliated by filing complaints against Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Kyiv also warned it might impose a ban on fruit and vegetable imports from Poland.

The grain issue is particularly sensitive for Poland, as the country prepares for a general election next month. The ruling Law and Justice Party currently enjoys strong support among rural voters.

"We were among the first to do a great deal for Ukraine, and that's why we expect them to understand our interests," Morawiecki said on September 20. "Of course, we respect all their concerns, but for us, the interests of the farmers are paramount."

Ukraine announced on September 21 that it would hold talks with Poland on grain issues "in the coming days" and stressed that the two countries still have "close" relations.

Huyen Le (According to AFP )

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