Polish president, defence chief clash over authority for military aid decisions

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has proposed that the government transfer authority over decisions on military assistance, including support for Ukraine, to the presidency amid a dispute over the transfer of Patriot missile system components to Kyiv.

Nawrocki said he would submit a legislative initiative aimed at taking direct responsibility for decisions related to military equipment transfers.

“I will submit a legislative initiative and will gladly take full responsibility also for the transfer of [military] equipment,” Nawrocki wrote on X.

The president argued that Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz bears personal responsibility for the decision to provide Patriot-related equipment to Ukraine.

“The decision was made by you. I ask you to take responsibility for it, like a real man,” Nawrocki said, addressing the defence minister.

Kosiniak-Kamysz rejected the criticism, saying that responsibility for strengthening Poland’s armed forces and transferring military equipment in coordination with allies belongs to the government.

“Responsibility for the modernization and strengthening of the Polish army, as well as for the transfer of equipment in coordination with our allies, lies with the government. The government fulfills this duty and does not shift it onto anyone else,” the minister said.

He also criticized the president’s office over its handling of the issue, saying officials should have accurately reflected that the president is informed about such decisions.

“However, your staff should have been more precise and should have conveyed, in accordance with the truth, that you are informed about every such action. Representatives of the President’s Office cannot spread falsehoods,” Kosiniak-Kamysz added.

By Vafa Guliyeva