Estera Flieger: Is Karol Nawrocki Poland's President?

The article critically examines Poland's international posture, particularly its relationship with Ukraine, questioning the current state of affairs and the effectiveness of its foreign policy. The author points to the revocation of President Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle as a symbolic moment, suggesting a shift from initial strong support to a more complex and potentially strained relationship.

Poland's initial response to the war in Ukraine in February 2022 is lauded, but the author argues that the transition from "romantic love" to pragmatic neighborly relations has been challenging. Citing research from the Institute of Western Affairs, the piece suggests that Polish society is more rational about Polish-German relations than its politicians are about Polish-Ukrainian relations. The author expresses skepticism about Poland's role in Ukraine's reconstruction, attributing it not to historical disputes like Volhynia, but to a lack of proactive engagement and a failure to secure potential contracts.

The article criticizes Polish politicians, specifically mentioning Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, for a perceived lack of "state instinct" in their handling of the situation. The author argues that while President Karol Nawrocki's decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle can be debated, it was a presidential act, and Polish officials should not have amplified Russian propaganda in their criticism. The piece suggests that Ukraine, having received significant trust in 2022, is now squandering it, and Poland's response has been inadequate.

Ultimately, the author calls for a broader foreign policy perspective, moving beyond immediate concerns with Ukraine, Germany, and the United States. The piece implies that Poland needs to develop a more robust and independent foreign policy, capable of navigating complex regional dynamics and securing its own interests, rather than relying on external validation or succumbing to internal political divisions.