Heated Debate Over Ukraine: Poland Won't Tolerate This Further, Says Sasin

A heated debate in Poland over relations with Ukraine, historical grievances like the Volhynia massacre, and the impact of the war on Polish security has exposed deep divisions. Representatives from various political parties presented starkly different assessments of the current state of bilateral ties.

“

Poland must primarily take care of its own interests, but Ukraine's defeat would mean Russian troops approaching the Polish border.

Michał Szczerba of Civic Coalition recalled that his party established the Day of Remembrance for the Volhynia Massacre, suggesting that the ruling Law and Justice party had not previously objected to Ukrainian commemorations of the UPA. However, Jakub Banaszek from the Presidential Chancellery countered that public sentiment toward Ukraine shifted significantly in late 2023 and early 2024. He attributed this change to the grain crisis and border tensions, which he argued made Poles feel the impact of Ukrainian policies. Banaszek also cited perceived "demanding" attitudes from Ukraine and the ongoing "cult of Banderism" as factors worsening the atmosphere.

“

The problem is that PiS didn't mind then, when they were in power, when Zbigniew Rau was a minister, that such commemorations were held in Ukraine.

Anna Górska of New Left highlighted security concerns, warning that Ukraine's potential defeat and reduced support could lead to Russian troops advancing closer to Poland's border, potentially reaching areas like Chełm. Jacek Sasin of Law and Justice responded, emphasizing that Poland must prioritize its own interests. He found Ukraine's actions, which he believes weaken relations with Poland, incomprehensible given the ongoing war. Sasin asserted that Poland has been Ukraine's closest ally since the Russian invasion, providing support from the war's outset. He concluded that Ukraine's current policies are detrimental primarily to Ukraine and its citizens.

“

As a result of the grain crisis and border tensions, Poles felt the effects of the policies pursued by the Ukrainian authorities for the first time to such an extent.