Poland has been intensively upgrading its tank fleet in recent years. These are mainly American Abrams and South Korean K2 tanks. Due to the arrival of a large number of modern tanks in Poland, the question of the further use of old T-72 and PT-91 tanks has arisen.
Poland still has a large number of Soviet T-72 tanks and their derivatives, the PT-91 Twardy. Their total number is estimated at approximately 300 units. Traditionally, since the beginning of Putin’s full-scale offensive, Poland has been supporting Ukraine by transferring its military equipment, dating back to Soviet times. In particular, more than 250 units of various modifications of the T-72 and about 40 PT-91s have been delivered to Ukraine. In this way, Poland is not only helping to defend Ukraine, but also investing in its own security. Putin’s well-known statement about historical Russia, which once included part of what is now Polish territory. And as of today, the Russians are already mobilizing men of draft age in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Therefore, the Poles are well aware of what the Russians will do with all the captured Ukrainian men and where they will send them if the Ukrainian state does not hold out.
Therefore, continued support for Ukraine by Poland seems entirely logical and is in Poland’s own interests. However, Russian special services, through their agents of influence, are trying to force the country’s leadership to cancel the deliveries. Various journalists, commentators, and experts of all stripes are acting as agents of influence. They are promoting the main idea — to keep Soviet-era tanks in Poland for whatever reason.
The first reason is to create a unit from Soviet tanks that will simulate a potential enemy during exercises. This is supported by the fact that the Russians have a large number of T-72 tanks and their derivatives, the T-90, in their arsenal.
The second reason for not giving them away is to convert them into specialized vehicles. Such as armored repair and evacuation vehicles (AREVs), bridge layers, tractors, or anti-mine tanks. At the same time, both options will require continuing to maintain these vehicles alongside the new tanks.
To sway opinion toward one of the two options above, a third option is also being proposed. This is to leave all the old tanks in Poland in long-term storage. It is the least attractive option for the Poles themselves, but it is being proposed in order to manipulate opinion toward one of the first two options.
Meanwhile, Russian troops continue their offensive in Ukraine. Ukrainian defenders are retreating little by little, inflicting heavy losses on the aggressor. Which country does Poland want to have a common border with in the east? Putin’s Russia or democratic Ukraine?
