Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, warned that inadequate air defence systems and interceptor ammunition for Ukraine increase the military threat to Poland. He stated in parliament that insufficient support for Ukraine’s air defences raises security risks for Poland, especially after recent incidents where Polish planes were shot down during Russian attacks.
Kosiniak-Kamysz rejected the idea that these airspace incidents were accidental, arguing that without effective interception systems, Russian drones could enter Polish airspace. He emphasised that these repeated incidents along NATO’s eastern border are part of a planned aggression by the Russian Federation and not isolated events.
“Another week has passed in which Russia has repeatedly tested Poland’s and NATO’s response. We passed these tests. Russian drones struck just a few kilometres from our border. We monitored the threats, scrambled aviation—including allied forces—and were ready to respond and defend Poland,” said the Polish defence minister.
“Let me remind you! It is Russia that is the aggressor, Ukraine the victim. Every day of Ukrainian resistance depletes Russia’s resources and the Kremlin’s army. I prefer that Russian drones be destroyed over Ukraine, rather than having to combat them over our own territory. That’s why we support Ukraine and simultaneously strengthen the Polish Armed Forces!”, highlighted Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The pro-Moscow far-right
Kosiniak-Kamysz criticised opposition MPs for questioning military aid to Ukraine, arguing that such rhetoric aligns more with Moscow’s objectives than Poland’s national security.
“Missiles and drones are falling just a kilometre from the Polish border,” he stated. “If Ukraine lacks air defences, many of these drones will reach Poland.”
His comments followed a speech by Sławomir Mentzen, a leader of the right-wing extremist Confederation party, an ally of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), who criticised the Polish armed forces for shortages in artillery ammunition and insufficient civil defence infrastructure.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasised that maintaining Ukraine’s ability to intercept attacks is crucial for preventing Russian munitions from penetrating allied territory.
On 13 September, a Russian drone struck two kilometres from the Polish border, damaging a gas station and a train locomotive. Polish air defence systems have been on high alert due to ongoing Russian attacks, with officials warning of increased risks near international borders.
