Former spokesperson for the Ministry of abroad Affairs, Łukasz Jasina, known for his earlier statements on Poland's "servant" function towards Ukraine, made a critical assessment of the abroad policy of the Law and Justice Government in relations with Kiev. His comments, presented in an interview with “Rzeczpospolita”, shed light on key diplomatic issues, including Poland's reaction to the incidental in Przewodowo, Volynska slaughter and trade relations with Ukraine.
Diplomatic Games of Ukraine
Jasina pointed out the deficiency of firmness on the part of the Polish government on the most crucial diplomatic issues. Referring to the tragic incidental in Przewowo, which resulted in the death of 2 people, he noted that Poland allowed Ukraine to dictate the communicative and usage the situation in its favour.
– Of course they played us due to the fact that that was their job. Why wouldn't they play us? We have not shown much firmness in any matter," said Jasina.
The erstwhile spokesperson stressed that Poland, while avoiding taking a clear position, created conditions for Ukraine to play an effective diplomatic game. In his opinion, specified an approach resulted in weakening the Polish global position.
Historical problem and fake policy
Jasina besides referred to historical issues, including the commemoration of victims of the Volyn massacre, which has long been a bone of disagreement in Polish-Ukrainian relations. He criticised the deficiency of a systemic approach to these issues and accused the PiS government of avoiding hard topics.
– However, the problem of the PiS approach to many cases was that they tried to pretend that many things were not there. And there were quite a few them," said Jasin.
He recalled the situation with his own participation erstwhile he publically called for an apology from president Volodymyr Zelenski for events in Volyn. This message angered the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, which resulted in Jasina being removed from her duties.
– With all the mistake of my behaviour – I said about those apologies of Zelenski for Volyn – we showed submission – said Jasin. According to him, specified a reaction of the Polish government sent a clear signal to Ukraine that it could act aggressively, due to the fact that Warsaw would step back and step down if necessary.
Chaos Event Policy
Jasina's next allegation was the deficiency of consistency in the conduct of abroad policy by the government of Mateusz Morawiecki. It defined the government's approach as "event" where priorities changed according to current media events.
– The policy of the Law and Law and Law and Justice in almost all matters was simply an event. If there is 1 crucial thing, all hands on deck and we solve it, another week – another case, all hands on deck and we solve it. And so indefinitely," commented Jasin.
According to the erstwhile spokesperson, the deficiency of a long-term strategy in relations with Ukraine and another key areas led to the chaos and weakening of Poland's position on the global stage.
What next with Polish-Ukrainian relations?
Jasina's remarks item the request for a more determined, consistent and well-defined abroad policy interests towards Ukraine. In the context of the upcoming challenges – from historical issues, trade relations, to military cooperation – Poland faces the request to build a more equal relation with Kiev.
Jasina's allegations, although controversial, are a valuable voice in the debate about the future direction of Polish abroad policy. Faced with a dynamic global situation, it will be crucial to make a coherent strategy that will let Poland to effectively defend its interests while supporting Ukraine in its way towards stableness and integration with the West.
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"The Servant of the Ukrainian People" assessed Poland's policy towards Ukraine
