The President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, gave an interview to a Hungarian newspaper Mandarin, in which he outlined his vision of Polish-Ukrainian relations. He emphasized that Warsaw will continue to support Ukraine in the context of defense against the Russian Federation, but he categorically opposed its accession to the European Union. Also, Navrotsky again raised the issue of the Volyn tragedy, making it a component of his argument.
According to the new head of the Polish state, Russia remains the “biggest threat” to Warsaw, so supporting Ukraine in the defense dimension is strategically justified. He emphasized that Poland was one of Kyiv’s main allies from the first days of the full-scale invasion, but at the same time emphasized the need to take into account Polish national interests.
“Poland played a leading role in supporting Ukraine… And this gives reason to think more deeply about the fact that we also have the right to our own interests.” Navrotsky remarked.
Among such interests, he named, in particular, the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy. The politician also repeated the position he expressed during the election campaign: Poland should not agree to “unfair competition” from Ukraine in the agricultural sector or logistics. According to him, both countries should seek compromises, but Warsaw should firmly defend its position.
“Poland has such an interest, for example, in the exhumation of Volyn victims. During the campaign, I did not agree, and as president I will not agree to unfair competition with Ukraine for Polish agriculture or the logistics sector. We need to reach a compromise and consensus on these issues.” Navrotsky said.
Despite assurances of strategic support, the rhetoric of the new Polish president causes concern in Ukraine. His position combines military solidarity with criticism of Ukraine’s European integration course, which creates preconditions for tensions in Polish-Ukrainian relations.
Analysts draw attention to the fact that Navrotsky won by relying on anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, especially in the context of competition in the field of agricultural exports and historical memory. Such a position is in demand among Polish voters, but it calls into question the future prospects of a strategic partnership with Ukraine.
