Within a year of Russia’s invasion, Poland pledged and delivered more than €2.2 billion in weapons to Ukraine. The donated gear included Crab howitzers, Cave carbines, anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition. Tanks also traveled to the front lines, among them T-72s, PT-91s and Leopard variants, a move announced in Kyiv by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
What tanks did Poland give to Ukraine?
From the outset of the February 2022 invasion, Poland has backed Ukraine with military equipment, supplies and ammunition. As Prime Minister Morawiecki stated on February 17, roughly 250 tanks have been transferred to Ukraine. The bulk are post-Soviet models that have undergone modernization, notably the T-72 family redesigned for improved firepower and protection.
During a press conference in Kyiv marking the first anniversary of Russia’s aggression, Morawiecki announced that Poland would deliver around 60 additional tanks. The PT-91 is a Polish modernization of the T-72 developed in the 1990s, featuring a more capable engine, an upgraded fire control system and enhanced applique armor.
The initial four tanks delivered included Leopard 2 A4 variants, underscoring Poland’s commitment to providing capable, Western-supplied platforms to Ukraine.
Training of Ukrainian pilots
In a joint session with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Polish prime minister indicated readiness to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft in Poland. The proposal emphasized the importance of a broad coalition approach while affirming Poland’s willingness to host and support such training programs.
Poland’s leadership stressed that ensuring Ukrainian airspace safety is a critical objective for regional stability and security, highlighting the role of allied cooperation in achieving that goal.
READ ALSO: The war’s horizon as it reached its one-year mark, including the intensified Russian assault narrative and statements from Polish officials about Leopards arriving in Ukraine. The ongoing discussions reflect Poland’s standing as a key ally in European defense and security matters.
RCN reports noted the Polish Prime Minister’s trip to Ukraine to oversee the deployment of Leopards and to reinforce the priority of allied defense support in the region.
Sources: wPolityce and related coverage from Polish media outlets and press conferences in Kyiv. Attribution notes are provided for context and verification of events described.