Ukraine disputes Polish president's security concerns
We do not agree with presenting Ukrainian soldiers, who are defending Europe today against the Russian invasion, as a supposed potential threat to European security, said the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhij Tykhyi. This is a reaction to the words of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to President Andrzej Duda, who suggested that the possible end of Russia's war against Ukraine could come with the risk of increased cross-border crime.
In an interview with the Financial Times, President Andrzej Duda stated that ensuring economic and security support for Kyiv will be essential for the West.
Just imagine the situation when we have got thousands of people coming from the frontline coming back home. Those people who are fighting with Russia, a lot of them will demonstrate mental problems - stated President Andrzej Duda in an interview with "Financial Times".
The President added that some soldiers would suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and return to "their villages, their towns where they will find ruined houses, ruined plants, ruined factories, no jobs, and no perspectives."
He compared the threat to the situation in Russia in the early 1990s, when many veterans of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan joined criminal groups. - Remember the period when the Soviet Union collapsed and how much-organised crime increased in Western Europe and the USA - warned Duda.
Kyiv: We do not agree
On Monday evening, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on President Duda's words.
- Ukrainian soldiers and veterans are not a threat, but a security factor for Ukraine, Poland and all of Europe. They are the key to a free and stable European future. We are convinced that the brave Ukrainian men and women who stood up to defend their country and the whole world from Russian invaders deserve the highest respect, stated on Monday the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhij Tykhyi.
- We do not agree with the presentation of Ukrainian soldiers, who are today risking their lives, defending Europe from Russian invasion, as an alleged potential threat to European security - he added.
The spokesperson reminded everyone that since 2014, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have passed through the front line, but "no significant increase in crime or threats to Poland or Europe was observed."
Furthermore, the Ukrainian state is focusing on the adaptation, socialization, and integration of soldiers and "counts on further assistance from partners in this important matter," added Tykhyi.
At the beginning of the statement, the spokesperson expressed gratitude to Poland for the "large-scale assistance provided to Ukraine" and to the Polish president for the "consistent promotion of Ukraine's interests and calls on partners to increase support for our country."
