Polish defence minister says all young Ukrainians fit for service should be in Ukraine

Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has said that all young Ukrainians fit for military service should be in Ukraine and take part in defending it against Russian aggression.

Source: Kosiniak-Kamysz said on 13 July, as reported by European Pravda

Details: In his speech, Kosiniak-Kamysz criticised far-right anti-Ukrainian politician Grzegorz Braun and the opposition Law and Justice party for fuelling dangerous sentiments in society.

"Look at where we are today: a nation that deserves the Nobel Peace Prize – Poland, Poles – for opening their hearts and the doors of their homes and, without setting up refugee camps, took in 3 million refugees. And today this fanaticism that has erupted has turned into something simply very dangerous," he said.

Meanwhile, Kosiniak-Kamysz turned to criticism of Ukrainians, in particular those fit for service, saying they should be in Ukraine defending it against Russia.

"Is everything all right with Ukrainians? No, it is not. Is it normal to crash cars worth millions of zlotys and drive into the Morskie Oko lake? No, it is not normal, and such people should be turned away. All young Ukrainians fit for combat should be in Ukraine and serve their homeland there," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

Background:

• On 26 June the European Commission presented its proposal to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians fleeing the war in the EU for another year, until 4 March 2028.
• The EU proposes extending temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028, with an exception for those evading service in the Ukrainian military.
• The European Union plans to make a decision on the status of Ukrainian refugees in July 2026; if this is not achieved, then in September.

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