Poland has firmly stated that it will not send its troops to Ukraine, a decision underscored by Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during a recent interview on the RMF24 television channel. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, where Russian propaganda has already accused Warsaw of harboring intentions to seize parts of Ukrainian territory.
In the interview aired on April 2, 2025, Sikorski addressed the possibility of deploying a Polish peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine, particularly after the upcoming presidential elections in Poland. "I don't think so," he replied when asked about the chances of such a deployment under current conditions. The minister emphasized that sending Polish soldiers into Ukraine could inadvertently bolster Russian narratives that Poland aims to invade Ukraine, a claim that has already been circulated by Russian state media.
Sikorski pointed out that while Ukrainians themselves do not believe these accusations, the presence of Polish troops could serve as a rallying point for the Russian public, mobilizing them further against Ukraine. "This would give them a trump card for their propaganda, which we want to avoid," he stated, highlighting the delicate balance Poland must maintain in its regional relations.
Previously, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had made it clear that Poland would not send troops to Ukraine but would instead provide logistical and political support to other nations willing to contribute military forces. This approach reflects a cautious stance as Poland finds itself on the frontline of the conflict, concerned about the implications of direct military involvement.
Moreover, Sikorski noted that Poland's business sector stands to gain significantly from Ukraine's post-war recovery, thanks to geographic proximity and linguistic similarities. He expressed confidence that Polish companies would be the "biggest beneficiaries" of the rebuilding efforts in Ukraine, indicating a shift in focus towards economic collaboration rather than military engagement.
The issue of sending troops has garnered widespread attention within Poland, with a recent survey revealing that 86.5% of Poles oppose the idea of deploying military forces to Ukraine. Among those surveyed, 58.5% categorically rejected the proposal, reflecting a strong public sentiment against direct involvement in the ongoing conflict.
In a related statement, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz previously ruled out the possibility of sending Polish peacekeepers to Ukraine, suggesting that such responsibilities should fall to countries that do not share a border with Ukraine. This position aligns with the broader strategy of maintaining national security while supporting Ukraine through non-military means.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, Poland's leadership remains committed to navigating the complexities of its relationship with both Ukraine and Russia. The government’s current strategy emphasizes caution, focusing on diplomatic support and economic partnerships rather than military intervention.
In conclusion, Poland’s decision not to send troops into Ukraine reflects a careful consideration of both domestic public opinion and the geopolitical landscape. As tensions persist in the region, the Polish government is likely to continue advocating for a balanced approach that supports Ukraine without escalating its own military involvement.
