Russia Accuses Establishment Of Polish-Ukraine Joint Military Units Of Having Population Motives

JAKARTA - Poland plans to form a joint military unit with Ukraine for security reasons, but has ulterior motives to occupy the western regions of the country, said Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Defense Minister Shoigu highlighted the dangers associated with Poland's militarization.

"There are plans to create the so-called Polish-Ukrainian permanent formation ostensibly to ensure the security of Western Ukraine, but in fact, for the subsequent occupation of this territory," he said, citing TASS, August 10.

Furthermore, Defense Minister Shoigu said Poland had become the main tool of the anti-Russian policy of the United States.

"The risks involved are related to the militarization of Poland, which has become the main instrument of the United States' anti-Russian policy. Warsaw has announced its intention to build, as Poland claims, 'the most powerful army on the continent'," he explained.

"In this regard, large-scale weapons purchases from the US, UK and South Korea have started, including tanks, artillery systems, air and anti-aircraft defense systems, and fighter aircraft," the Army General said.

It is known, the Polish Ministry of Defense on August 1, announced the decision to send more troops and combat helicopters to the border with Belarus, after the Belarusian helicopters violated the country's air border.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on August 2, the notion that Poland has claims over Western Ukraine has penetrated into Polish society.

Earlier, the Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Sergey Naryshkin said on July 21 in a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and the permanent members of the UN Security Council that Poland could take control of the western region of Ukraine by deploying its troops there.