How Poland views relations with Ukraine and resolving bilateral issues
Paweł Kowal, head of the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine under Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, plays a key role in shaping Poland's vision for relations with Kyiv.
During a visit to Ukraine, Kowal discussed the state of bilateral relations, including border protests, exhumation disputes, military aid and the Polish minority in Ukraine.
Read more in the interview by Yurii Panchenko, a European Pravda editor, who met Paweł Kowal in Kyiv – Poland backs Kyiv politically and militarily, but Poles in Ukraine lack attention.
Kowal highlighted that while Polish-Ukrainian relations are traditionally close, they are often emotionally charged, similar to ties between Germany and France or Poland and Germany. He stressed the importance of mutual understanding and separating emotions from key issues.
When I hear claims that the current state of relations is poor, I take them with a grain of irony, relying on my own judgment.
To resolve our disagreements, we need to recognise how similar we are. Both Ukrainians and Poles are highly emotional, and these emotions sometimes hinder mutual understanding. While we may not always agree, we must strive to understand each other.
Regarding the border blockade by Polish farmers, these protests are not as large as they might seem.
Simply comparing their scale to the record-breaking trade volume between our countries puts things into perspective. If one believes such protests have ruined our relations, it’s a matter of misjudging proportions or succumbing to strong emotions.
As for the Volyn issue and the exhumation moratorium, I advocate for wise simplicity and humane relations. These matters should not be politicised.
Volyn touches on universal issues like international law and the right to respectfully honour one's ancestors, as outlined by the Council of Europe.
Conversely, Ukrainian demands for burials on Monastyr Hill pertain to commemoration, a part of historical policy. These matters should be resolved but not conflated.
Regarding military aid, it pains me to hear claims that Poland has ceased its support.
Over the last two years, Poland’s military assistance, relative to its capabilities, has likely been the most significant globally.
Poland has truly given everything it could at the time, with further aid allocated to upcoming packages.
As for Ukraine’s EU membership, Poland remains committed to EU enlargement, supporting the accession of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans.
Finally, concerning the Polish minority, Poles in Ukraine are somewhat neglected. Education reforms risk closing Polish schools, which is unacceptable.