Warsaw is considering the formation and training of a unit of draft-aged Ukrainian men living in Poland, according to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. This decision is seen as more beneficial for Kyiv than sending a Polish training mission to Ukraine. Kiev has been in discussions with France and other countries regarding the possible presence of foreign instructors on the ground in Ukraine. Despite concerns from some Western allies, Paris may soon send its military trainers to the country. Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are generally prohibited from leaving Ukraine during the war, except for certain circumstances, due to martial law being in effect.
Kyiv announced in late April that they were temporarily suspending new applications for consular support for military-aged men abroad due to the new law on mobilization. Less than a month later, the Foreign Ministry stated that consular services would be restored. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz mentioned that Poland would assist Ukraine in bringing back its draft-aged men, while Sikorski expressed concerns about the ethics of this move. He stated that Poland would wait for Ukraine to take the initiative on how to approach sending Ukrainian men back to Ukraine, indicating an understanding of Ukraine’s need for defenders to protect its homeland.
Sikorski mentioned that sending troops to Ukraine should not be ruled out as an option. When asked about the possibility of sending Polish troops to Ukraine, he responded by saying, “Let Putin guess what we will do.” This statement emphasizes the ambiguity surrounding potential military involvement from Poland in Ukraine. The discussions between Poland and Ukraine regarding the formation and training of a unit of draft-aged Ukrainian men in Poland highlight the complexities of supporting Ukraine in its defense efforts without direct military intervention.
The consideration of training a Ukrainian unit formed of Ukrainians in Poland is seen as a safer and more effective way to support Kyiv’s military capabilities. The presence of foreign instructors in Ukraine has been a topic of discussion, with France reportedly considering sending its military trainers to the country. The situation in Ukraine, with martial law in effect and restrictions on Ukrainian men leaving the country, adds a layer of complexity to the support efforts from countries like Poland. The restoration of consular services for military-aged men abroad indicates a willingness to assist Ukrainian citizens affected by the conflict.
The ethical considerations surrounding the support for Ukrainian men subject to conscription and the potential involvement of foreign military trainers in Ukraine reflect the sensitive nature of the conflict. Poland’s willingness to support Ukraine in bringing back its draft-aged men demonstrates a sense of responsibility towards their Eastern neighbor. The uncertainty surrounding the potential deployment of Polish troops to Ukraine and the comment by Sikorski about keeping Putin guessing underscores the geopolitical tensions in the region. Overall, the discussions and decisions being made by Poland and other countries regarding support for Ukraine highlight the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict.
