“The government bears full responsibility for the transfer of Patriot missiles (to Ukraine – ed.). It was the government that made the decision – it was approved by a resolution of the Council of Ministers. This decision certainly does not enhance Poland’s security,” said Presidential Minister Marcin Przydacz.
Patriot air defense system
Reports have emerged suggesting that Poland transferred some of its PAC-3 MSE missiles – the most advanced interceptors used by the Patriot air defense system – to Ukraine in recent months. Despite efforts by the American manufacturer to increase production, the missiles remain in short supply due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and the intensive use of this type of missile.
Before departing for Ankara for the NATO summit, Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau at the Chancellery of the President, was asked about the matter.
“If Poland were to face an aerial threat – and after all, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has recently been openly warning Poles about the prospect of war – then it would seem that Poland’s security interest should be to protect its own airspace. I believe that decisions of this kind did not serve Poland’s national security, especially the attempt to conceal them from the public and from key political actors,” he told reporters.
Przydacz also expressed his personal view that “it was in Poland’s interest, especially at the beginning of the war when other allies were not providing assistance, to help Ukraine.”
“We transferred equipment – mostly old, Soviet-era equipment. It was better for it to be used on the front line in Donbas than to rust away at Polish training grounds. At that time, Ukraine needed support, while Germany was offering to send helmets,” he recalled.
“That did not receive a positive response. Four years later, we know that the Ukrainian side has been far from constructive regarding issues that are important to Poland – particularly historical dialogue,” the presidential minister added.
“The government bears full responsibility for the transfer of the Patriot missiles. It was the government that made the decision – it was approved by a resolution of the Council of Ministers. This decision certainly does not enhance Poland’s security,” Przydacz concluded.