SEOUL: Poland has turned down Ukraine’s request to transfer weapons purchased from South Korea, emphasizing its priority to safeguard national defense, Polish President Andrzej Duda disclosed during his state visit to South Korea. The decision underscores Poland’s commitment to retaining military assets as tensions continue in Eastern Europe.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Duda, during a meeting with reporters, articulated Poland’s stance, asserting that there is no plan to hand over any recently acquired military equipment to Ukraine. “These weapons are to serve the security and defense of Poland,” Duda stated, highlighting the billions of zloty invested by Polish taxpayers in these arms. He further clarified that even with Seoul’s potential agreement to transfer weapons to Ukraine, the supplies specifically allocated to Poland are not up for reallocation.
President Duda’s visit included a tour of South Korean defense manufacturers, Hanwha Aerospace Co. and Hyundai Rotem Co., which produce K9 s
elf-propelled howitzers and K2 tanks, respectively. These engagements marked the culmination of Duda’s four-day state visit aimed at reinforcing Polish-South Korean defense ties.
During a summit with Duda, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed willingness to consider arming Ukraine, contingent on the evolving military dynamics between Russia and North Korea. President Yoon also reiterated support for a prospective agreement to supply additional K2 tanks to Poland by year’s end, valued at approximately $7 billion.
In 2022, as part of its strategic military strengthening amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Poland entered into defense contracts with South Korea worth 17 trillion won ($12.4 billion). These contracts included the procurement of K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, FA-50 aircraft, and Chunmoo rocket launchers. Subsequent agreements saw Poland securing a $2.67 billion deal for K9 howitzers in December 2023 and a $1.64 billion contract for Chunmoo rocket systems in April.