Lithuanian MEPs' Stance on UPA Condemnation Not State Policy, Analyst Argues

A recent statement by Krzysztof Bosak of Poland's Confederation party highlighted that Baltic states, especially Lithuania, actively opposed a Polish initiative in the European Parliament to condemn the glorification of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Bosak specifically named Lithuanian MEPs Petras Gražulis and Rasa Juknevičienė as key figures in this opposition, suggesting a divergence in views between Poland and its Baltic neighbors on historical issues related to Ukraine.

However, the article suggests caution in interpreting the actions of these Lithuanian MEPs as representative of the Lithuanian state's official policy. It points out that both Gražulis, described as a "nationalist," and Juknevičienė, from the center-right, are currently in opposition to the Lithuanian government. Therefore, their stance may reflect their individual political positions rather than a coordinated state strategy. Lithuania is navigating a complex geopolitical situation, seeking to balance its strong ties with Poland and its strategic support for Ukraine as a buffer against Russia.

From Lithuania's perspective, the dispute between Poland and Ukraine is problematic because it challenges the core tenets of its foreign policy. Poland is considered an essential security partner, particularly in the event of conflict, and a vital economic collaborator. Simultaneously, Lithuania relies on Ukraine's role in containing Russian aggression. The article emphasizes that Lithuania cannot effectively cooperate with Ukraine without Poland, due to geographical proximity and the importance of transit routes for trade and technology, including a defense cooperation agreement focused on drone production.

Concerns have been voiced among some Lithuanian commentators and on social media regarding Lithuania's security if Ukraine enters into historical disputes with Poland. Despite these individual concerns, the article maintains that Lithuania's overarching foreign policy objective remains fostering good neighborly relations. Poland stands as Lithuania's most significant economic partner, and while historical disagreements and issues concerning the Polish minority in Lithuania exist, they are reportedly less intense than in previous years.

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I confirm that in the clash in the European Parliament, the Baltic states, and primarily Lithuania, played most against the Polish initiative to condemn the glorification of UPA (an example of the speeches of MEPs Gražulis from ESN and Juknevičienė from EPP).