Ukraine is using Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks in the Kursk operation because it did not have to ask permission from the Poles

In the Kursk operation in the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian Defence Forces are using Polish-made PT-91 Twardy tanks, which were delivered in early 2023.

Here's What We Know

This may serve as an example for Western countries that are trying to separately regulate the use of weapons on the territory of the occupying country.

The Polish side did not regulate the use of PT-91 in any way, as the Polish government is guided by a single principle: after the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, these weapons become Ukrainian. And this weapon can be used in any way.

Polish representatives stated this principle during a conversation with journalists from the Romanian publication Defense Romania. So, perhaps, the voicing of this principle is of some importance for bilateral relations between Poland and Romania.

Of course, there is no information yet on how many Twardy tanks are using JSLRs in the battles in Kursk region. Moreover, it is difficult to say whether they appeared on the battlefield immediately or a little later.

However, Romanian journalists have some interesting data: Ukraine could have received up to 100 PT-91s and about 250 T-72M1 tanks from Poland.

Flashback

The PT-91 Twardy is a Polish main battle tank developed on the basis of the Soviet T-72M1. First introduced in 1995, it combines modernised fire control, armour and mobility systems. Key improvements include dynamic protection, an advanced fire control system, and new engines to increase power and manoeuvrability. The PT-91 is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun, 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns.

Source: Defence Romania