“PGZ companies are strongly involved in the repair of equipment transferred to the Ukrainian side, because, among other things, we repair tanks fighting in Ukraine, or Krabs transferred to Ukrainians, but also the Ukrainian side placed a number of orders in the Polish arms industry , including: in Rosomak, Huta Stalowa Wola. These actions, unfortunately, should be interpreted negatively,” said Wojciech Skurkiewicz, deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense, in an interview with wPolityce.pl.
wPolityce.pl: How do you assess the absence of Poland at the conference of arms companies in Kiev. The Ukrainian ambassador to Poland claims the invitation has been sent. Arrived?
Wojciech Skurkiewicz: If the invitation was sent, it may have gone to the Polish Armaments Group or the Ministry of State Assets. We have not received an invitation.
However, the absence of the Polish side is a fact. What does this mean for Polish-Ukrainian arms cooperation and could this be a deliberate omission?
If Polish arms companies were indeed not invited to these types of conferences, it seems like a serious mistake on the Ukrainian side. PGZ companies are closely involved in the repair of equipment transferred to the Ukrainian side, because we repair, among other things: tanks fighting in Ukraine, or Krabs transferred to Ukrainians, but also the Ukrainian side placed a number of orders in the Polish arms industry , including: in Rosomak, Huta Stalowa Wola. Unfortunately, these actions must be interpreted negatively.
Is there a rift in Polish-Ukrainian relations?
For all I know, I can put it down to an unfortunate coincidence or a diplomatic misstep. The help from the Polish side was truly tangible and was provided almost from the first day of the war. These donations to the fight against Ukraine were both comprehensive and plentiful. This situation is surprising, to say the least.
What could further support for Ukraine look like? Could there be a brake or change in the support strategy?
Of course, Poland has helped Ukraine, is helping and will continue to help Ukraine. This assistance can be provided from the first days of the war, but also today, only through our hub in Podkarpackie Voivodeship. This is the only place where support, both Polish and American, from all over the world goes. These activities will be retained. We realize that the fight against Ukraine is also an important part of Poland’s defense against threats from the east.
SEE ALSO: Foreign arms companies at the table with Zelensky. Missed Poland? A wave of reactions, PGZ responds, a German journalist is happy
READ ALSO: Weapons forum in Kiev without Poland. Ambassador: “We have sent the invitation.” Zelensky’s words at the UN? ‘We think unity is important’
Interviewed by Edyta Hołdyńska
Source: wPolityce
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.