The Polish police contingent’s mission in Ukraine stood as a meaningful gesture from the Republic of Poland, expressed through the officers’ courage and dedication. President Andrzej Duda acknowledged that the service would be remembered by Ukrainians for its commitment to helping others during difficult times. He noted that the operation had to be kept confidential to ensure safety and security throughout its course.
President Duda welcomed the Polish police officers back to the presidential palace, recognizing their involvement in a quiet humanitarian mission in Ukraine. The nearly five-month covert operation focused on assisting Ukrainian authorities with demining and the neutralization of explosive hazards left by Russian forces in civilian areas.
Appreciation from the President
In his remarks, the president highlighted the high stakes and the level of risk the officers faced in war-torn Ukraine. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for their remarkable service and cited the officers’ exemplary conduct during the mission.
He noted that the dangers were multiplied by the presence of unexploded ordnance, the potential use of traps, and the constant overhead threat from anti-missile and anti-aircraft fire in active conflict zones.
The president underscored that the mission was a powerful display of solidarity and service. He spoke of the officers’ hand-in-hand effort with the Ukrainian people and affirmed that their work would not be forgotten by those they helped.
He addressed the Polish officers with warmth, praising their dedication and the humanitarian impact of their actions.
At the gathering, state awards were presented to the officers by the president, recognizing their significant contribution and courage.
Volunteer Valor
Similarly, Mariusz Kamiński, head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, recalled a prior arrival of brave firefighters returning from a humanitarian mission in Turkey. He expressed equal admiration for the Polish police officers who returned from Ukraine, emphasizing that their mission required extraordinary courage and selflessness.
Kamiński stressed that every participant volunteered for the assignment, and that the team’s success depended on each person’s commitment. They had been invited by Ukrainian authorities who appealed for help, and the Polish contingent answered that call with resolve.
The minister noted that the five-month effort took place in challenging terrain near Kyiv, in areas previously occupied by Russian forces. The team undertook sapper, mining, and pyrotechnic tasks aimed at protecting civilians from deadly risks. That steadfast spirit and professional conduct set a high standard for the Polish police and left a lasting mark on the force’s history.
Hidden Mission, Clear Impact
Over five months, ninety-eight Polish police officers conducted mine clearance in liberated Ukrainian territories. The mission remained classified to protect participants from potential threats. A Ukrainian defense portal and media outlets have reported that the decision to deploy Polish specialists followed Kyiv’s appeal to the ATLAS group, a coalition of European counter-terrorism units. In this instance, Warsaw stood ready to assist when others hesitated due to safety concerns.
Early assignments included clearing a Ukrainian airport area near Kyiv, where thousands of explosive devices were removed. In total, the Polish contingent examined hundreds of thousands of square meters of territory and neutralized thousands of kilograms of explosive material. The collective effort helped reduce the risk to civilians and contributed to Ukraine’s broader stabilization efforts.
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Source: wPolityce