Poland declines Patriots to Ukraine
Date
6/23/2024 8:09:38 AM
(MENAFN) Poland's Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk reaffirmed on Thursday that the United States-made Patriot air defense systems stationed in Poland will remain in the country, dismissing speculation from a recent New York Times article suggesting Washington might transfer one to Ukraine.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Tomczyk emphasized Poland's position, stating unequivocally, "Poland did not agree to transfer the Polish battery. Polish Patriots defend the Polish sky and this will not change."
The NYT article, published earlier in the week and citing unnamed "senior administration and military officials," claimed that President Joe Biden had approved the deployment of another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. It further suggested that the system destined for Ukraine would be sourced from Poland, specifically one used to protect an American rotational force stationed in the Central European nation.
Addressing the potential logistical implications for the US, Tomczyk noted that if Washington proceeded with the transfer, it would need to find a replacement Patriot system elsewhere rather than relying on Poland's arsenal. United States officials have not publicly responded to the NYT report, which speculated that the new air defense system could arrive in Ukraine in the near future.
According to Polish media sources, the Patriot system earmarked for potential transfer to Ukraine is currently safeguarding a logistics hub in Rzeszow, Poland. This hub plays a crucial role in facilitating military aid from Western backers to Ukraine.
The situation underscores ongoing strategic considerations and diplomatic nuances between the United States, Poland, and Ukraine amid efforts to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst ongoing conflict dynamics in Eastern Europe.
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