Zelenskyy dispute harms Poland; politics over hysteria needed

A dispute over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent actions is harming Poland, according to Tomasz Terlikowski in Rzeczpospolita. He argues that politically and short-sightedly motivated hysteria is replacing an analysis of Poland's interests and opportunities.

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There is no doubt that Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by naming one of the military units after the heroes of UPA, disregarded Polish historical memory and sensitivities, just as there is no doubt that he did it because it was necessary for his domestic politics.

Terlikowski acknowledges that Zelenskyy disrespected Polish historical memory and sensitivities by naming a military unit "heroes of UPA." He also concedes that Zelenskyy likely did this for domestic political reasons. However, the author expresses regret that a segment of the Polish political class, primarily from the right, has reacted hysterically. This reaction, he contends, is solely focused on internal politics and disregards Poland's long-term interests.

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It is also – unfortunately, and I say this with sadness – absolutely obvious that the reaction of part of the Polish political class (mainly from the right) to this act is not only hysterical but also focused solely on internal politics, without considering the long-term interest of Poland.

Politicians are competing to "punish" Ukraine and Ukrainians, feeding a growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment within society. Terlikowski criticizes them for not attempting to steer the debate toward civility or reminding the public about the foundations of Polish security. He suggests that the focus should be on reasoned policy rather than emotional outbursts.

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Politicians, competing in ideas to 'punish' Ukraine and Ukrainians, are serving an increasingly strong anti-Ukrainian emotion in society and are not even trying to influence the debate towards not only civilizing it but also reminding about the foundations of Polish security.