Polish defence minister: Those criticising Poland's support for Ukraine have lost their minds
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has defended the government's decision to transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine, saying that military assistance to Ukraine is in Poland's national interest.
Source: Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with TVN24, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Kosiniak-Kamysz criticised remarks made by members of President Karol Nawrocki's circle and opposition parties, who attacked the government over the transfer of several missiles for Ukraine's air defence.
Marcin Przydacz, Head of the International Policy Bureau of the Polish President's Office, said on 9 July that Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk had played a key role in the decision to transfer the missiles. "Is this treason or simply stupidity?" he asked.
Kosiniak-Kamysz reminded the official that military assistance to Ukraine is in Poland's national interest. "I will defend this decision, which was made by me and the government. I ask Minister Przydacz about this nonsense he is talking about – is it treason or stupidity? NATO stated yesterday that we must all support Ukraine. Ukraine's defeat in the war with Russia would be the worst possible scenario for us," the minister said.
"I would rather our Patriot missiles intercepted Russian missiles over Kyiv than over Warsaw. Those who criticise Poland's support for Ukraine have lost their minds. It makes my blood boil," he added.
Background:
- On 4 July, Krzysztof Bosak, co-leader of Poland's far-right, anti-Ukrainian Confederation party and Deputy Marshal of the Sejm, claimed that the Polish government had secretly transferred Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine in March.
- In response, Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that he has ordered the declassification of information on military aid provided to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
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