Poland’s Sejm, the lower house of parliament, has passed a bill granting amnesty to Polish citizens who have fought against Russia on Ukraine’s side. In a vote Friday, February 13, 429 of 460 lawmakers took part; 406 voted in favor, 4 against, and 19 abstained. The tally was published on the Sejm’s website.
Currently, engaging in military activity on behalf of another country - whether direct service or activities such as recruitment - without authorization from Poland’s Defense Ministry is punishable by three months to five years in prison. According to state broadcaster Polskie Radio 24, the bill also envisions amnesty for Polish citizens convicted under Poland’s anti-mercenary statute since April 6, 2014, when fighting between Ukraine’s military and pro-Russian separatists erupted in Donbas.
The measure, introduced in the Sejm on December 5, now goes to the Senate for consideration. If approved, it will be sent to President Karol Nawrocki for signature and is expected to take effect three months after potential approval by the head of state. It’s unclear how many Poles could be affected.
On February 5, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Kyiv. The same day, he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a declaration of intent to co-produce weapons and ammunition. Zelensky said the two countries plan to make “drones and other weapons.”
Tusk added that Poland is ready to hand over its MiG-29 fighter jets to Kyiv in exchange for UAV technologies. He said Warsaw is continuing work on subsequent arms deliveries to Ukraine. The new aid package from Poland is expected to be worth about €47 million.
