Poland’s Ministry of Defense has firmly rejected a proposal from the United States suggesting the deployment of Polish troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission. Polish officials have reiterated that their country will continue to provide logistical support for aid to Ukraine but will not send soldiers to participate in military operations.
Official Response from Polish Leadership
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk made a clear statement on the matter, emphasizing Poland’s stance.
“Poland is not sending and does not plan to send its soldiers as part of any potential peacekeeping force to Ukraine; no talks on this matter are taking place,” Tomczyk stated in comments to the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
His response follows recent remarks by U.S. special envoy General Keith Kellogg, who proposed the deployment of troops from four European nations—including Poland—as part of a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Despite these discussions, Polish officials insist that their role remains strictly focused on logistical and infrastructure support rather than direct military involvement.
Poland’s Role in Supporting Ukraine
According to Tomczyk, Poland will continue playing its critical role by serving as a logistical hub, particularly in the southeastern city of Rzeszów, which has become a central point for military and humanitarian aid distribution.
“Poland has a different role—it will support any potential peacekeeping mission from its own territory by providing the hub in Rzeszów and logistics to support the mission,” he clarified.
Definitive Stance from Polish Defense Minister
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz echoed Tomczyk’s statement, further ruling out the possibility of Polish troop deployment.
“From the very beginning, we have indicated our role as a center for providing logistical and infrastructure support for such a mission. Without us, it cannot be carried out,” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated.
He also highlighted Poland’s contributions within the Coalition of the Willing, a group of allied nations collaborating to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
“This role has been recognized and appreciated by our allies,” he emphasized, suggesting that Poland’s strategic position is valued but does not require direct military engagement.
U.S. Considerations for a Peacekeeping Force
While Poland has distanced itself from troop deployment discussions, the U.S. continues evaluating options for a peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine. General Kellogg recently revealed that American officials are in talks with several nations to establish a “resilience force.”
The proposed force would consist of British, French, German, and Polish troops stationed west of the Dnipro River, strategically positioning them outside the range of Russian strikes.
Despite these considerations, Poland remains steadfast in its position, maintaining its role as a logistical and operational support center rather than an active participant in military peacekeeping operations.
Conclusion
Poland’s rejection of troop deployment underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine through logistical aid rather than direct military engagement. As discussions on peacekeeping forces continue, Poland’s strategic role as a regional hub remains crucial in the broader efforts to assist Ukraine.
