Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated the nation is not supplying weapons to Ukraine and it’s going to give attention to strengthening its personal defence techniques following a row with Ukraine on grain imports.
The Guardian quoted Morawiecki as saying, “We’re not transferring weapons to Ukraine as a result of we at the moment are arming Poland with extra trendy weapons.” Poland was a staunch supporter of Kyiv because the starting of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Poland was one the pioneers to produce weapons to Ukraine and it was additionally a part of a bloc of Western allies, fashioned to produce weapons to Ukraine. Nonetheless, Poland clarified that it could fulfil earlier commitments of arms and ammunition provide for Ukraine.
In line with reviews, Poland’s ruling far-right occasion feels that the nation just isn’t getting the gratitude it deserves for supporting Ukraine and accepting its refugees.
Morawiecki made the feedback throughout an interview with a non-public tv broadcaster Polsat. The Poland prime minister additionally talked about navy modernisation plans, spurred by Russian aggression within the area.
A authorities spokesman, Piotr Mueller, appeared to substantiate Thursday that Warsaw wouldn’t comply with extra navy support. He stated the nation was now solely offering provides of ammunition and armaments that had beforehand been agreed to, noting that “a collection of completely unacceptable statements and diplomatic gestures appeared on the Ukrainian aspect.”
The grain row escalated after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke on the UN in opposition to the import ban. “It’s alarming to see how some in Europe play out solidarity in a political theatre – making a thriller from the grain. They could appear to play their very own position, however actually, they’re serving to set the stage to a Moscow actor,” The Guardian quoted him as saying.
Following Zelenskyy’s feedback, Warsaw summoned Ukraine’s ambassador and warned of retaliatory strikes.
Poland has equipped Ukraine with a variety of weaponry, together with Leopard 2 tanks and Soviet-era MiG fighter jets.
Donald Tusk, a prime opposition chief, accused Morawiecki and different ruling authorities of an ethical and geopolitical scandal of stabbing Ukraine within the again politically once they determine to struggle on the Ukrainian entrance, simply because it will likely be worthwhile for his or her marketing campaign.
Feelings have been working excessive after Poland, Hungary and Slovakia final week introduced a brand new ban on Ukrainian grain imports, saying they wished to guard their farmers from a glut of Ukrainian grain of their markets. The grain lowers costs for native farmers and hurts their livelihood. Kyiv responded with a grievance on the World Commerce Organisation in opposition to the three international locations that sparked much more offended reactions from Poland.
Ukraine was lifting its grievance in opposition to Slovakia as the 2 sides sought a decision, Slovak authorities stated Thursday.
He stated a NATO and US hub within the Polish metropolis of Rzeszow used for transporting weapons into Ukraine wouldn’t be affected. “We aren’t going to threat the safety of Ukraine,” he stated.
A senior US authorities official informed reporters in Brussels on Thursday that the US doesn’t view Morawiecki’s statements as an indication of Western unity cracking and expects to see continued management from Poland within the effort to assist Ukraine.
The official famous that every nation that is contributing to Ukraine has its personal home politics and that is only a actuality. “A few of these international locations are in the midst of election cycles, so that they’re additionally in the midst of messaging their publics.”The official requested anonymity to transient reporters frankly on the delicate growth.
The German International Ministry stated Thursday that “we have now taken observe of the assertion from the Polish aspect”. The ministry added that Ukraine “continues to wish our full assist”. “It is crucial that we in Europe act decisively and in solidarity on this regard. Germany will assist Ukraine humanely, politically, economically and with weapons for so long as it wants us,” it stated.
(With PTI inputs.)
