The DSNS shared the statement on Monday, Polish state news agency PAP reported, citing Ukraine’s Ukrinform website.
The Ukrainian agency wrote: “With good intentions and out of deep gratitude, Jarosław Szymczyk received a symbolic gift, reflecting the resistance of the Ukrainian nation to the Russian aggressor. We are convinced that there was no question, and there could be no question, of aiming to harm Poland’s police chief."
The DSNS added it was certain that “after the circumstances and causes of this accident have been examined, the right conclusions will be drawn regarding security.”
'Consistent support and help provided by Polish police to Ukraine'
The Ukrainian agency also said it regretted the incident and wished Szymczyk a speedy recovery, the PAP news agency reported.
The DSNS went on to say: “We regard highly the consistent support and help provided by Polish police to Ukraine and the Ukrainian citizens who found temporary shelter from the Russian aggressor in Poland. Under the able leadership of Jarosław Szymczyk, the Polish police force demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and a humanitarian attitude.”
The Ukrainian State Emergency Service also said it hoped “this incident won’t have a negative impact on the close cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish law enforcement agencies; on the contrary, it will serve to further strengthen cooperation to bring us closer to a shared victory over Russia and to instituting peace in Ukraine, in line with international law.”
Incident 'needs to be thoroughly explained': Polish police chief
Meanwhile, Poland’s Szymczyk told broadcaster TVP Info on Monday: “The incident that happened in my office needs to be thoroughly explained, because it was an explosion of the gift I received at a meeting with the chiefs of one of the most important agencies responsible for Ukraine’s internal security.”
'Used-up grenade launcher tubes' gifted by Ukraine
Szymczyk said in an interview with the Rzeczpospolita newspaper, published on Monday, that during his visit to Ukraine last week he had met with the head of Ukraine’s police force, Gen. Ihor Klymenko, and the chief of the DSNS, Gen. Serhiy Kruk.
He added that both Klymenko and Kruk had presented him with "used-up grenade launcher tubes" as gifts.
Szymczyk told Rzeczpospolita: “We were given assurances that this was used-up equipment that didn’t contain explosives,” Szymczyk said, adding that "for the same reason, the tubes weren't reported" to border officials on the way back to Poland.
'A powerful explosion'
Szymczyk said that “a powerful explosion” occurred at his office at Poland's National Police Headquarters in Warsaw after he arrived for work on the morning of Wednesday, December 14, and attempted to move the used grenade launchers to a different part of the room.
“I was stunned,” he added.
Asked if he would resign from his role as Poland's police chief, the officer said: “As of today I see no reason to resign.”
He added: “At the same time, I am aware that ultimately it’s for the interior minister and the prime minister to decide, and I will accept their decision.”
In the interview with TVP Info, Szymczyk on Monday thanked Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński for his support, the PAP news agency reported.
Earlier in the day, Kamiński said in a tweet: “I rule out dismissing the police chief.”
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, rp.pl