The Ministry of Defense of Poland denied the arrival of the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak’s statement about Patriot air defense systems and Leopard tanks for Ukraine has been misinterpreted. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Poland, reports “Ukrinform”.

The department emphasized that it was only a decision to transfer the Patriot air defense system to Kyiv, which was made thanks to the efforts of Poland.

Earlier in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Razon Blaszczak declaredthat Leopard tanks and Patriot air defense batteries have already arrived in Ukraine. The Polish Ministry of Defense explained the words of the minister about the receipt of weapons by Kiev by the inaccuracy of the translation. At the same time, the first Leopard tanks are indeed on the territory of Ukraine, the department confirmed.

On February 24, Blaszczak announced that Warsaw had sent the first of the promised 14 tanks to Kyiv. At the same time, he clarified that Ukraine had already received military equipment. On February 28, adviser to the acting head of the DPR, Yan Gagin, reported that Leopards had been spotted in the Artemovsk area.

Late December 2022 USA announced a new $2 billion military aid package. It will include Patriot air defense systems. In early January, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba informedthat preparations for the transfer of weapons have already begun. In Kyiv expected begin using the Patriot by mid-spring.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly criticized the supply of Western weapons to Kyiv. The Kremlin called the American Patriot a legitimate target for the Russian military. Russian President Vladimir Putin declaredthat there is an “antidote” to these complexes, and expressed confidence that Russia will be able to destroy the Patriot if they are delivered to Ukraine.