Former Polish deputy treasury minister Krzysztof Tołwiński has come under intense criticism after releasing a video showing him delivering battlefield first-aid kits intended for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, prompting calls for an investigation and sparking a political controversy in Poland.
The footage, recorded in Belarus and shared publicly by Tołwiński, shows the former lawmaker stating that he personally financed the purchase of 20 battlefield medical kits before handing them to representatives of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus (LDPB). According to him, the equipment was intended for Russian troops serving on the front line.
“We have bought 20 battlefield medical first-aid kits which, through our colleague, the party working with us, the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus, we will pass on to soldiers of the Russian Federation… as humanitarian aid, medical assistance,” Tołwiński said in the video while displaying what he described as an invoice for the purchase.
During the handover, Tołwiński met with LDPB leader Oleg Gajdukiewicz, who is subject to sanctions imposed by both the European Union and the United States. The former deputy minister said the supplies were meant for Russian servicemen involved in what he described as a fight “for a new order, for peace, against Nazism.”
He also criticized Poland’s military and political support for Ukraine and urged fellow Poles to back Russia, arguing that relations between the two nations should be normalized and referring to what he called Slavic solidarity.
The video has drawn widespread condemnation from politicians, commentators and members of the public. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago, Poland has been one of Kyiv’s strongest supporters, providing military, humanitarian and diplomatic assistance.
Critics noted that while international humanitarian law allows aid for civilians and wounded combatants, battlefield first-aid kits intended for active soldiers are generally regarded as military equipment rather than humanitarian relief. Many argued that providing such supplies to Russian troops conflicts with Poland’s foreign policy and national interests.
The incident is the latest in a series of pro-Russian positions associated with Tołwiński. In recent years, he has frequently appeared in Belarusian and Russian media criticizing Poland’s backing of Ukraine. In 2023, he became leader of the political group Front, an agrarian movement that has faced criticism over its alleged pro-Russian stance and contacts within Belarus.
Earlier this year, Tołwiński sought permission to organize a Victory Day gathering at the Soviet Soldiers’ Cemetery in Warsaw, an event attended by representatives of the Russian Embassy and supporters of the Kremlin.
In 2026, the District Court in Białystok found him guilty of insulting Ukrainians and inciting hatred on national grounds. Following the ruling, Tołwiński described the verdict as a “distinction” that strengthened his position in public debate.
Polish media have reported that the National Prosecutor’s Office is examining information related to the latest incident. Authorities have not confirmed whether formal legal proceedings have been launched.
