The debate on Polish-Ukrainian relations one more time aroused many emotions, especially in the context of statements by Karol Nawrocki, the PiS candidate in the presidential election, and the reaction of the Ukrainian Ministry of abroad Affairs (MFA). The leader of the Confederate, Krzysztof Bosak, besides took a clear stand on the matter, who powerfully criticized the Ukrainian side's reaction.
Nawrocki's message on Ukraine and NATO
Karol Nawrocki, president of the Institute of National Memory and candidate for President, stressed in the programme “Guest of Events” that he does not see Ukraine in the structures of the European Union or NATO. This was argued by unresolved historical issues, including the Volyn crime. "Today I do not see Ukraine in any structure. Neither in the European Union nor in NATO," he said. He added that a country that did not account for the past should not be part of specified alliances.
Nawrocki besides referred to the agreement concerning the exhumation in Volyn, concluded by Radosław Sikorski and Andrij Sybiha, which he described as "an unnecessary leap by the head of Polish diplomacy". He emphasized that the Institute of National Memory had already experienced many "potential breakthroughs" in this case and expressed skepticism towards the enthusiasm expressed by the Polish Ministry of abroad Affairs.
Ukrainian MFA acute reaction
The Ukrainian MFA reacted to Nawrocki's words, accusing the Polish politician of putting "short-term political considerations above the strategical interests of Poland's safety and good neighbourly Polish-Ukrainian relations". The Ukrainian side stated that Ukraine is already de facto part of the Euro-Atlantic household and a common European safety architecture.
"Such statements indicate that Polish policy puts short-term political objectives beyond the common values of freedom, democracy and justice", the Ukrainian MFA stated.
Krzysztof Bosak: “It is impudence and arrogance”
A critical stance towards Ukraine's consequence was expressed by Confederate leader Krzysztof Bosak. In an interview with “Wprost” he assessed the reaction of the Ukrainian MFA as “a manifestation of shameless arrogance”.
"Nawrocki said what the Confederate said a long time ago and what they should say: the erstwhile and current Prime Minister and President. There is no reason for Kiev to compose Poland's political strategy towards Ukraine," Bosak stressed.
In his opinion, the Ukrainian position is another effort to impose conditions on Poland for conducting global policy. "It is not the first time Ukrainians have tried to show us the conditions under which Poland can conduct common relations. Not to mention partnership or relationship – due to the fact that it just doesn't exist," added the leader of the Confederation.
Bosak stressed that Poland should not be afraid with “unwarranted criticism” from Ukraine. "I consider the Ukrainian MFA's comment as a desire to set limits to the freedom of expression of the Polish side towards Ukraine. This is apparent insolence and arrogance, so we should not worry about it in the least," he commented.
Volyn issue as a condition for relations
Both Nawrocki and Bosak point to the request to resolve historical disputes as a condition for further partnership with Ukraine. Among Polish politicians, there is simply a increasing belief that the Volyn case must be regulated before Poland can support Ukraine's integration into Western structures.
In this context, Nawrocki pointed out that Poland, as the country which gave Ukraine large assistance, expects partnership treatment. "Our financial, civic and military effort, which helped Ukraine, would like to meet with partner treatment on the Ukrainian side and the anticipation of burying our women and children," he said.
Will Polish-Ukrainian relations find a fresh way?
Disputes surrounding Nawrocki's statements and the Ukrainian MFA's reaction show tensions in Polish-Ukrainian relations. However, Poland, while supporting Ukraine in its efforts to become a associate of Western structures, puts conditions related to historical settlement and common respect. How will these issues affect further relations between countries? Answer to this
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"Insolence and arrogance". Bosak responds to Ukraine's flagrant outrage over Nawrocki's statements
