DISINFO: Poland purchased US tanks for the offensive operation against Ukraine
SUMMARY
The Polish ruling party and minister of defense announced plans to purchase 250 US tanks. This is hardly linked to concerns over a hypothetical attack from Belarus and Russia. This purchase rather suggests that an offensive operation is planned. The Polish authorities likely consider the prospects of Ukraine's disintegration serious and are getting ready to use tanks on (ex-)Ukraine's territory.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the disintegration of Ukraine and Polish aggressive intentions towards its eastern neighbours.
On 14 July 2021 Polish defense minister defense minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced the acquisition of US-made Abrams tanks and an accompanying logistical and training package, as well as upgrading infrastructure and buying ammunition. However, a planned offensive operation against Ukraine is a conspiracy. Instead, as many other eastern European countries, Poland is concerned with Russian assertiveness since annexation of Crimea and military aggression against Ukraine.
“We (...) are ordering the most modern tanks. Tanks available in the best equipped version, tanks that are combat proven, tanks which were constructed to counter the most modern Russian T-14 Armata tanks,” Mariusz Błaszczak stated on 14 July.
Poland respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It does not claim any Ukrainian territories. None of Ukraine's neighbouring states, except the Russian Federation, have violated Ukraine's territorial integrity.
See earlier disinformation cases alleging that Poland sees Ukraine as a part of its territory and that Ukraine will disintegrate and fall prey to territorial claims of EU member states.