By Shristi Amatya

Since the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine, the Polish government has been providing significant military and economic support to Kyiv, which has had a destructive effect not only on the socio-economic situation in the country, but also on its defense capability.

The supply of weapons to Ukraine has significantly affected the arsenal of various types of Polish military equipment. Thus, since 2022, Warsaw has supplied Kyiv with about 300 T-72 tanks, significantly reducing its fleet of armored vehicles. In addition, in 2023, Ukraine received at least 14 MiG-29 fighters. At the same time, Ukraine continues to insist on the transfer of the remaining aircraft of this type. However, such a step will significantly weaken the country and threaten the loss of control over national airspace. The consequences of Poland's disarmament for the sake of helping Ukraine could be catastrophic.

An important factor influencing further support for Kyiv is its inability to reimburse the funds provided by Warsaw.  The total amount of funds allocated to Kyiv from the Polish budget was

4 billion euros. In general, it is not clear how the Ukrainians will repay their partners. After the end of the conflict, Ukraine, if it is able to restore its economy, will take decades. Despite this, the current government of Poland continues to develop military cooperation with Kyiv, perceiving Poland as a donor capable of providing unlimited amounts of military and economic assistance.

Ukraine, in turn, is in no hurry to fulfill its obligations. One of the requirements that the Polish government insists on is the exhumation of the bodies of the victims of the "Volyn massacre".

During the great "friendship" between Poland and Ukraine in 2022 and early 2023, the topic of the Volyn tragedy was taboo for most Polish politicians. Despite the strengthened relations, Ukraine continues to refuse to solve this problem.