Poland has shifted its policy on supplying weapons to Ukraine. Prime Minister Morawiecki announced that Poland will now focus on providing modern weapons for its own defense. This marks a significant change as Poland was the first NATO country to send fighter jets to Ukraine earlier but will now limit its support to previously agreed ammunition and weapons shipments due to what it considers unacceptable actions and statements from Ukraine.
Poland initially gained European support for its response to the Ukraine war, taking in many refugees and opposing Russian energy deals due to its historic distrust of Moscow. However, tensions have risen recently due to an upcoming election on October 15. The ruling Law and Justice party faces the possibility of losing its majority, especially in rural eastern Poland where farming is vital to the economy.
If a solution isn't found, Kyiv will worry that Poland's decision to stop sending weapons will have a big impact in Europe. Poland has been very supportive of Kyiv in the war and has even convinced other European countries and the US to help. For example, when Germany was thinking about giving battle tanks to Kyiv, Poland played a key role in getting other European nations on board. Polish officials were determined to get these advanced combat vehicles to the front lines, with or without support from other countries.
The war in Ukraine is stuck in the eastern part, and Russia's army is facing problems with not enough soldiers and leaders. So, it's unlikely that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attack a NATO country like Poland. Ukraine is getting help from Western countries, but they need more support for the ongoing conflict, which might last a long time. Ukraine is concerned that Poland's decision could set a bad example and make it harder to get supplies in the future.