Polish PM Tusk calls Ukraine-Poland tensions strategic mistake
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (photo: Getty Images)
The involvement of Polish and Ukrainian politicians in an internal conflict is a serious strategic mistake that will cause significant damage, Prime Minister Donald Tusk says.
Consequences of political disputes
The minister strongly criticized those fueling tensions between the neighboring countries.
"Getting entangled in the political conflict between politicians in Poland and Ukraine is a strategic mistake that will cost both sides: in business, geopolitically, and reputationally. And in politics, as is well known, a mistake is worse than a crime," the head of the Polish government emphasized.
He also added that he is currently holding active talks with Western allies to resolve the crisis and find compromise solutions.
"In conversations with my European partners, I try to minimize the losses and reduce the tension. It is not an easy task," Tusk concluded.
Scandal over awards and Ukrainian Insurgent Army
Recent relations between Kyiv and Warsaw have significantly worsened due to historical disputes. The diplomatic crisis was triggered by the Ukrainian side's decision to name one of the Armed Forces units in honor of UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) heroes.
In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki took an unprecedented step and stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the country's highest state award—the Order of the White Eagle.
In response to Warsaw's actions, senior Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and presidential office head Kyrylo Budanov, officially renounced their Polish decorations.
Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv is ready to respond in kind to disrespectful actions and said that Nawrocki has become a destroyer of bilateral relations, receiving "applause from Moscow" for his actions.
Due to the ineffectiveness of traditional communication channels, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk publicly called on the leaders of both countries to hold direct talks to prevent emotions from undermining solidarity against Russia.
Meanwhile, the Polish trend of returning honors has reached Warsaw itself, where former MP Piotr Fogler returned his Order of Merit in protest against Nawrocki's policy toward Ukraine.
