Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz warned, however, that as the war in Ukraine drags on, the number of desertions may grow, echoing patterns observed in other prolonged conflicts.
Kosiniak-Kamysz made his comments during a press briefing in Kraków, southern Poland, on Monday, where he was discussing investments in a military hospital.
He was responding to a report in the British newspaper Financial Times highlighting an increase in Ukrainian military desertions, including those occurring abroad.
"The scale of desertions is minimal, negligible," Kosiniak-Kamysz said. "It does not threaten the training process in any way. Still, it is a phenomenon, and it will progress the longer the conflict lasts."
He added that desertion rates are likely more severe within Ukraine itself.
He pointed to war fatigue as a significant factor, one felt not only by Ukrainians but also by Poles, who have shown substantial solidarity with their eastern neighbor since the invasion began in 2022.
"I remember the first days of the war, when hearts and homes were open; today, there are more questions being raised," he said, while noting that war fatigue is understandably even more intense in Ukraine.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also raised concerns about a lack of Ukrainian volunteers for military training in Poland and other European countries, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Despite an agreement with Ukraine to provide such training, only a few dozen Ukrainians have participated, he said.
"I recall our conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky in July this year," Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters. "He was optimistic that many would sign up. However, only a small number have come forward."
The Polish defense minister touched on a related issue that has sparked resentment among Ukrainians on the front lines and Polish citizens alike — the sight of young Ukrainian men driving luxury cars or staying in five-star hotels in Poland.
Such displays, he said, provoke "emotions and justified opposition" from those sacrificing for Ukraine’s defense and from Poles who have contributed billions in aid.
Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed to Poland’s fundamentally important role in training Ukrainian forces.
"One-third of all Ukrainian soldiers trained abroad have been trained in Poland," he said. "That’s approximately 26,000 soldiers."
The Financial Times report cited data showing that Ukrainian prosecutors initiated 60,000 desertion cases between January and October 2024, nearly double the number in 2022 and 2023 combined.
Convictions for desertion in Ukraine carry a penalty of up to 12 years in prison.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP