WARSAW - Poland is preparing its 46th donation to Ukraine, valued at over €200 million, announced Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, underlining the country's leading role in providing aid and reaffirming its commitment to continue supporting Kyiv. Kosiniak-Kamysz (PSL, EPP) spoke at the opening of a conference in the Senate marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. He stressed Poland's position as a leader, saying, "We delivered everything possible" during the war's early days when other countries hesitated.
According to the minister, this €200 million donation is significant, noting it exceeds the military expenditures of some European nations throughout the entire conflict. Poland has already sent substantial amounts of military equipment, including tanks and artillery, asserting their commitment not only through donations but also by training Ukrainian troops.
Training has been another significant contribution, with Poland reportedly training about 28,000 Ukrainian soldiers. "We are ready to continue training on our territory. We are leaders in this area," said Kosiniak-Kamysz, indicating the importance of well-prepared forces to withstand future threats.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar confirmed the current aid package is scheduled to reach Ukraine by the end of the month. He also recalled the delivery of significant military supplies by Poland, which took place earlier this year. These contributions have become pivotal for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
The focus then shifted to the conference hosted by the Senate entitled “Three-year mark of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine.” Deputy Minister Anna Radwan-Röhrenschef attended the conference, which aimed to discuss the military and humanitarian support offered by Poland over the past three years, along with Europe's learning experiences relevant to building security and improving its global standing.
During her address, Radwan-Röhrenschef emphasized the new dynamics at play, expressing hope for an end to the conflict but stressed the importance of negotiating outcomes beneficial for both Ukraine and Europe. "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," she reinforced, underscoring the necessity for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the urgency for trustworthy security guarantees.
The Polish leaders' remarks reflect the nation’s persistent dedication to ensuring no decisions concerning Ukraine are made without its involvement. Poland firmly maintains the belief of supporting its neighbor for as long as necessary.
On the subject of defense investments, Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored Poland's commitment to spending almost 5% of its GDP on defense, asserting it is higher than many NATO allies and criticizing their lagging commitments toward defense expenditure, targeted at reaching 2% over the past decade. He stated, "Freedom needs strength. It does not defend itself," highlighting the necessity of military preparedness and strong alliances.
Overall, Poland's efforts and support for Ukraine serve not only as military assistance but also as strategic partnerships ensuring Europe's stability and security amid the relentless aggression of Russia. The Polish government, through tangible donations and training, affirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine as it battles for its sovereignty.