Poland’s prime minister stressed that the free world cannot overlook the urgent task of equipping Ukraine with Leopard tanks and other modern weapons, because Russia remains the chief threat to European security. He argued that aiding Ukraine is essential to deter Moscow’s ongoing ambitions to expand its reach beyond its borders.
In a BBC News interview, Mateusz Morawiecki confirmed that Poland has formally asked Germany for permission to transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. He said Poland would await a response for a week or two but would proceed regardless of the outcome. He called for a swift decision and for the coalition of like-minded nations to join in delivering modern Leopard tanks to Ukraine, given the looming Russian offensive. He noted that delaying could cost Ukraine critical support, and emphasized that Poland is actively urging its German partners to act decisively.
The prime minister recalled that Poland has already contributed more tanks than any other NATO country, delivering 250 tanks to Ukraine. He indicated that a further delivery of 50 to 60 new tanks was being planned in the near term, alongside the 14 Leopard tanks under discussion for immediate deployment. The aim, he said, is not merely to send a small batch but to assemble a broad coalition capable of providing a sustained flow of modern armor to Ukraine.
In his description of the current plan, he clarified that the immediate focus is the 14 Leopard tanks, supplementing the arms already supplied. He underlined that the real objective is to broaden support among allied nations so that Ukraine receives continuous and capable military assistance beyond these initial units.
Morawiecki highlighted the scale of the German inventory, noting that Germany has about 350 Leopard tanks in active service and around 200 in storage. He questioned why those in storage could not be made available, pointing to statements from the sourcing company Rheinmetall that additional Leopards could be deployed. He argued that the numbers reflect an urgent demand from Ukraine and a strategic opportunity for NATO members to reinforce deterrence on the eastern flank.
Responding to critics who warned that transferring tanks might escalate the conflict, Morawiecki expressed disagreement, insisting that Poland and the free world must act. The urgency, he said, is clear: failure to provide Leopard tanks and other modern weapons would leave Ukraine underprotected and would embolden Russian aggression.
The topic of Russian behavior formed a central thread in his remarks. He explained that Poland, with centuries of shared borders and history with its eastern neighbor, understands how Russia operates. He cited past actions against Georgia and Ukraine as evidence of Moscow’s long-standing pattern of aggression and its ongoing drive to dominate neighboring territories. He argued that Russia’s appetite for expansion is the real and persistent threat to European peace and stability, and he asserted that this struggle resonates globally, not just regionally. This war matters to the wider world, not only to Ukraine.
Morawiecki also welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to send tanks, describing it as a powerful example for France and Germany and a demonstration of cross-Atlantic coordination within NATO. He characterized the move as a shared purpose aimed at countering the threat from the East and reaffirming NATO’s core mission. He expressed satisfaction that the British commitment signals to allies that collective action is possible and necessary in this struggle.
In closing remarks, the Polish prime minister reaffirmed Poland’s stance and its readiness to participate in a broader coalition. He emphasized the moral and strategic imperative to stand with Ukraine, while noting the practical steps under discussion with partner nations to ensure a steady and credible supply of modern armor and support.
Source reports and reflections from conversations with Kyiv and allied capitals illustrate a coordinated approach to defense. The focus remains on translating political will into rapid, tangible military assistance that can deter further aggression and uphold international rules and security arrangements. This is seen as a key test of allied solidarity and a measure of the seriousness with which European and Western partners regard the crisis. The overarching message is clear: the alliance will not waver in seeking to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and to deter future moves by Moscow. The dialogue with German authorities continues as part of a broader, ongoing effort to mobilize resources and align policy for swift delivery. These developments reflect a shared commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of aggression and to maintaining a stable, secure European continent. End note attributed to wPolityce.