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Poland Decided to Supply Defensive Weapons to Ukraine Amid Russia's Drawdown on Ukraine's Border

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Polish anti-aircraft missile set (PPZR) GROM  would be among weaponry Poland to supply to Ukraine
Polish anti-aircraft missile set (PPZR) GROM would be among weaponry Poland to supply to Ukraine

​The Polish government and the Office of the President of Poland in close cooperation took decision to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid and weaponry amid threat of Russian invasion to Ukraine

This was announced during a press conference in Warsaw on Monday by the head of the National Security Bureau (BBN) of Poland, Pawel Soloch, Ukrinform reprts.

Poland Decided to Supply Defensive Weapons to Ukraine Amid Russia's Drawdown on Ukraine's Border, Defense Express
The head of the National Security Bureau (BBN) of Poland, Pawel Soloch / Photo credit: PAP/Rafał Guz

"It was decided to transfer to the Ukrainian side ammunition of a defensive nature for defensive, not offensive action. This decision is currently being implemented by the Minister of National Defense," Soloch said.

Read more: ​Canadian Defense Minister Visits Ukraine Amid Preparations for Possible Russian Invasion (video)

Asked whether the weapons were intended for air defense, he confirmed they were. At the same time, the senior official added that the details would later be made public by the Polish Ministry of National Defense.

Poland Decided to Supply Defensive Weapons to Ukraine Amid Russia's Drawdown on Ukraine's Border, Defense Express
Ocilla 4x4 L2014-UD vehicles, assembled from Polish-supplied knock-down kits, was approved for induction into the Ukrainian Armed Forces after a comparative evaluation against its Ukrainian-developed original, the Dozor-B

"We have made an offer to the Ukrainian side and are waiting for a response," Soloch said.

He said that Poland would supply Ukraine with the weapons that Kyiv would first select from the list proposed by the Polish side.

"We are ready to do so at any moment now," said the official.

He also said that the Polish offer today included the possibility of transferring "tens of thousands of pieces of ammunition."

The official official clarified that military aid could be delivered to Ukraine "within days."

Poland Decided to Supply Defensive Weapons to Ukraine Amid Russia's Drawdown on Ukraine's Border, Defense Express
As Polish specialided sources estimate, Poland could provide Ukraine with ammunition for anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, especially Soviet-made weapons (such as PG-7 grenades for the RPG-7 grenade launcher, PG-9 for the SPG-9 grenade launcher or 23 mm ammunition for anti-aircraft guns), possibly also American ATGMs Javelin / Photo credit: PGZ

During today’s briefing Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki also announced that the weaponry aid includes Polish-made portable anti-aircraft missile systems Grom, ammunition and various types of drones, writes Polish informagency PAP.

The terms in which Ukraine is expected to receive Polish aid are yet unknown. Pawel Soloch noted that “it will depend on the Ukrainian side, since they received the specification and the activity is on their side”. He stated that Poland is ready to provide aid anytime. Final agreements are likely to be reached at Mateusz Morawiecki’s visit to Kyiv this Tuesday.

Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki announced that the weaponry aid includes Polish-made portable anti-aircraft missile systems Grom / Photo credit: PAP / Albert ZavWada

As Defense Express reported early The United States is demanding that Russia explain its military buildup near Ukraine at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, January 31.

Earlyer Ukrainian and US intelligence indicates Russia preparing operation to justify invasion of Ukraine. At the same time USA approved additional $200 mln in security aid to Ukraine and several planeloads of U.S. military aid landed at Boryspil airport in Ukraine.

Read more: A New Russia-West Cold War Becomes Hot: Battle for Ukraine and for Common Sense