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Marek A. Cichocki: If now is not a good time for quarrels with Ukraine, then when will it be?
🇵🇱 Poland /Elections & Politics

Marek A. Cichocki: If now is not a good time for quarrels with Ukraine, then when will it be?

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • Poland's approach to Ukraine is characterized by a lack of pragmatic strategy, focusing on gestures rather than addressing difficult realities.
  • The author criticizes Ukraine's historical policy and its efforts to marginalize Poland's regional position, questioning the timing of such disputes.
  • A long-term strategy is needed to manage a potentially challenging Ukrainian partner, regardless of the war's outcome, as Ukraine may not join the EU or NATO.

Marek A. Cichocki, writing for Rzeczpospolita, argues that Poland's current policy toward Ukraine is overly reliant on emotional gestures and lacks a pragmatic, long-term strategy. He criticizes Ukraine's historical narratives and its actions that undermine Poland's regional standing, questioning the common refrain that now is not the time to address these issues.

If now is not a good time for quarrels with Ukraine, then when will it be?

— Marek A. CichockiThe author questions the timing of addressing disputes with Ukraine, suggesting that current policies are reactive rather than strategic.

Cichocki points to Ukraine's controversial decree honoring UPA soldiers as an example of a lack of respect for Polish victims. He suggests that returning awards, while emotionally understandable, signifies weakness and helplessness on Poland's part. The author laments the absence of deeper reflection in Poland regarding its relationship with Ukraine, extending beyond historical grievances to encompass the broader implications of events across the eastern border.

gestures from the Polish state authorities look more like an expression of weakness and helplessness in the face of ostentatious disrespect from Kyiv for Polish victims.

— Marek A. CichockiCichocki criticizes Poland's response to Ukraine's actions, viewing symbolic protests as ineffective.

While acknowledging Ukraine's role in securing Polish security by fighting Russia, Cichocki asserts that beyond shared economic interests and the presence of Ukrainian refugees, many aspects of the relationship could be divisive. He anticipates that a post-war Ukraine might not join the EU or NATO and could struggle with democracy and stability, making it a difficult partner.

Ukraine's policy is based on undermining Poland's position in the Central European region.

— Marek A. CichockiThe author highlights Ukraine's actions that he perceives as detrimental to Poland's regional influence.

Therefore, Cichocki concludes, Poland must move beyond symbolic actions and develop a concrete strategy to navigate a relationship with a challenging eastern neighbor. He emphasizes the need to prepare for managing a "very difficult and ungrateful partner" rather than engaging in superficial displays.

instead of playing gestures, we need to build a strategy on how to deal with a very difficult and ungrateful partner in the East.

— Marek A. CichockiCichocki calls for a proactive and strategic approach to managing the relationship with Ukraine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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