Ukraine's EU integration is in Poland's interest: "only fools or traitors disagree"

The crisis in interstate relations between Ukraine and Poland has been resolved. At a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his country’s stance on Ukraine’s European integration:

"Poland’s presidency in the European Council will overcome the deadlock evident in recent months. We will work together with Ukraine and our European partners to accelerate the accession process as much as possible."

He added that the talks will be friendly and "pragmatic," as Poland will firmly defend its interests during the negotiation process. This is understandable, as the integration of any country aspiring to EU membership has never been simple.

Ukraine is no exception, but conditions should not be imposed that would make integration impossible. This is precisely how historical issues are perceived by those Polish forces that have spoken of "blocking" Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.

Tusk stated that both nations are already addressing the issue of the Volyn tragedy. He added: "I will not allow anyone to use it as a bargaining chip regarding Ukraine's European future. This is in Poland’s interest. Anyone who doesn’t understand this is either a fool or a traitor."

These decisive words from the Polish Prime Minister were directed, among others, at Karol Nawrocki, head of Poland's Institute of National Remembrance and a presidential candidate from the opposition Law and Justice Party in the elections scheduled for May 18 this year.

Recently, Nawrocki stated: "As of today, I do not see Ukraine in any structure. Neither in the European Union nor in NATO. (...) A state unable to account for the brutal crime against 120,000 of its neighbors cannot be part of international alliances."

Today, the party's leader, Jarosław Kaczyński, supported the stance of its candidate, making it clear that historical issues in relations with Ukraine will be one of the main elements of PiS's election campaign. Therefore, the discussions and actions of Zelenskyy and Tusk (who met in Lviv on December 17) significantly reduce the emotional tension in Polish society on these matters.

Tusk thanked Zelenskyy for his personal involvement in addressing the Volyn tragedy, particularly in organizing search efforts and exhumations of the remains of Polish victims on Ukrainian territory.

This is crucial, as pro-Russian forces in Poland are trying to accuse the Ukrainian president of "indifference" to Polish sensitivities regarding historical issues.

Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarified the Ukrainian position during the activities of the Working Group established in November by the cultural ministries of both countries:

"The Ukrainian and Polish sides of this group exchanged lists of memorial sites that Ukraine and Poland, respectively, are interested in honoring. The restoration of the monument on Mount Monastyr also remains on the agenda. We are addressing all issues step by step. Our approach is that we also demand the proper commemoration of Ukrainian memory on Polish territory. Now, we await decisions from the Polish side."

Recently, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a "breakthrough" in historical issues between Poland and Ukraine. While some reacted skeptically to this statement, it has now become clear that a breakthrough has indeed occurred. This is evident in the mutual respect demonstrated by both nations, as confirmed by Polish President Andrzej Duda following his discussion with the Ukrainian leader.

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About the author. Mykola Kniazhytskyi, journalist, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament.

The editors don't always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.