Tusk: Poland does not plan to transfer Patriot missiles to Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the country does not intend to transfer additional Patriot missiles to Ukraine, citing a lack of large stockpiles of the weapon.

He made the statement after a meeting of “coalition of the willing” leaders in Paris, according to rp.pl.

“You also noticed the fuss caused by our decision to transfer five Patriot missiles, fully coordinated with NATO and the Americans… We do not plan such a donation at this time,” Tusk said.

Tusk emphasized that as long as he remains prime minister, Poland will actively participate in helping Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Responding to a question about why Poland did not join the anti-ballistic coalition of European countries with Ukraine, Tusk explained that Polish companies are still assessing their capabilities.

“The coalition is open; if there is a ready industrial offer from Polish companies, we will join this coalition,” the prime minister said.

Tusk also commented on the prospects for ending the war, saying he does not expect peace soon.

“At this point it seems unlikely that in the near future, in the short term, a ceasefire or peace will be achieved due to the absolutely rigid position of Russia and Vladimir Putin. Everyone expects an escalation of actions on the part of Russia. And it is quite likely that Russia will want to prolong this war at least until winter.”

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky estimated that Ukraine needs at least 100 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems per winter month, and 300 such missiles for the entire winter period.

On July 13, Ukraine, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom officially announced the creation of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition in Paris, which is intended to respond to missile threats in the future. Poland did not join the initiative.