Mariusz Błaszczak made the statement at the 31st International Defence Industry Exhibition in the south-central city of Kielce on Tuesday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Speaking at an accompanying conference on the “global information war,” the Polish defence minister said: “We are supporting Ukraine, because for us, a free Ukraine means a free Poland.”
He added: “We are neighbours. We wish to neighbour a free, independent Ukraine, not a part of Russia.”
Błaszczak stated: “Obviously, the powers that be at the Kremlin are aware of this. They decided to revive the Russian empire.”
He added that "the hybrid attack on Poland's border with Belarus," involving pressure from illegal migrants, had been "designed at the Kremlin" to destabilise Poland and "prevent Poland from supporting Ukraine."
According to the defence minister, "Poland’s history demonstrates that the Russian empire, whether under czars, the communists or [President Vladimir] Putin], has always committed crimes.”
He added: “The Ukrainians have experienced this in Irpin and Bucha. The Russian empire has always posed a danger to neighbouring nations.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Wednesday is day 560 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, wnp.pl