Poland's Defence Ministry dismisses concerns over transfer of several Patriot missiles to Ukraine

Ivanna Kostina, Anastasia Prots - 14 August, 11:46

Stock photo: Getty Images

Polish Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk has dismissed criticism from former defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak regarding the possible transfer of several Patriot system missiles to Ukraine, stating that this would not weaken Poland's defence capabilities.

Source: European Pravda, citing Tomczyk on Polsat News

Details: The minister stated that only a madman could think that transferring two or three missiles would weaken Poland's capabilities.

"If we truly believe that Poland would somehow lose its capabilities by transferring two or three missiles to a Ukrainian system, where everything that reaches Poland – and we know this happens from time to time – is first on Ukrainian territory and can be shot down there, then it means only a madman would come up with these arguments," Tomczyk said.

Politicians from the Law and Justice party, including Błaszczak, have claimed that the government would be giving away missiles that are meant to protect Polish skies, Polish cities and Polish families.

"I want to emphasise once again that no decision has been taken and that countries such as, for example, the frequently mentioned Germany, are currently transferring far more equipment to Ukraine than Poland is," Tomczyk stressed.

Background:

On 13 August, Polish Deputy Defence Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka stated that a decision on transferring Patriot system missiles to Ukraine could be taken in the coming days.
In July, Poland's Defence Ministry officially confirmed that Poland had transferred PAC-3 missiles, designed for Patriot systems, to Ukraine several months earlier. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that the package contained five missiles.
Following the latest incident in which a missile fell on Polish territory, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Warsaw will shortly consider transferring additional missiles for Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine.

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