The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has responded to statements by Polish President Andrzej Duda who suggested that the return of Ukrainian soldiers from the front could allegedly lead to a “surge in international organized crime.”
The ministry published a respective statement on its website, according to Ukrinform.
The ministry said that Ukraine is sincerely grateful to Poland for its extensive support, as well as to President Duda personally for his consistent promotion of Ukraine’s interests and calls for partners to increase their assistance to the country.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that it does not agree with the portrayal of Ukrainian soldiers, who are currently risking their lives to protect Europe from Russian aggression, as a potential threat to European security.
The statement also recalled that since 2014, when hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians had already experienced frontline combat, there had been no significant increase in crime or security threats for Poland or Europe. Furthermore, from the early years of Russian aggression, Ukraine has prioritized the adaptation, socialization, and integration of veterans and expects continued support from its partners in this important endeavor.
The ministry stressed that Ukrainian soldiers and veterans are not a threat but rather a factor in ensuring security for Ukraine, Poland, and all of Europe. They serve as a guarantee of a free and stable European future. The ministry also added that the courageous Ukrainian men and women who have defended their country and the world against Russian invaders deserve the highest respect.
Earlier, Duda stated in an interview with the Financial Times that the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war could lead to a “surge in international organized crime.” He expressed concerns that crime could spill over from Ukraine into Poland, affecting Western Europe and the United States. Duda compared the situation to Russia in the early 1990s when crime and violence surged among Afghan war veterans.
He said that after the war, Ukraine would need support to rebuild its economy and maintain order and security within the country. He also suggested that thousands of returning frontline soldiers, many of whom might suffer from psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, could come back to devastated towns and cities with no jobs or prospects.
Source: Ukraine's MFA responds to Duda who sees potential threat in Ukrainian soldiers
