Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reveals shift in relations between Ukraine and Poland
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
A series of attacks on Ukrainians in Poland has strained relations between the two countries. However, tensions have eased thanks to joint efforts, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said during a briefing.
Attacks on Ukrainians in Poland
According to Tykhyi, the Foreign Ministry is very concerned about the rise in anti-Ukrainian sentiment and attacks in Poland.
"Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha raised this issue earlier, at the beginning of the year and even late last year, in talks with Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. He asked him to ensure that such incidents receive an appropriate response," Tykhyi said.
He noted that Sikorski had given such assurances.
"And we must give credit where it is due: throughout this period, Polish law enforcement has responded appropriately. We are grateful to them for that," Tykhyi said.
In other words, while the number of incidents is increasing, which is very concerning, Polish police are responding properly and appropriately, as they should in cases of violence driven by national hatred, he added.
Rhetoric from Polish politicians
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that these incidents often have a political dimension.
"We deeply regret that some politicians in Poland do not realize that their rhetoric, statements and words have a direct impact on physical aggression against people," he said.
Tykhyi urged focusing first and foremost on the root of the problem, rather than targeting individual Polish citizens who fall under the influence of this rhetoric and commit such acts.
"We need to address the cause, not just those who act on it. And the cause is that some Polish politicians choose anti-Ukrainian rhetoric to drive their electoral ambitions," he explained.
In his view, this is a strategic misstep for Poland.
Diplomatic efforts
According to Tykhyi, Ukraine is taking systematic steps to address the issue.
"The Ukrainian Embassy in Poland and our consular offices regularly work with Polish law enforcement and all relevant authorities on every case of aggression," he said.
According to him, no such incident is left without a response.
"I once again urge our citizens: if they become victims of such attacks or any other forms of aggression, they should contact our consuls and Polish law enforcement," he said.
Tykhyi said Ukraine wants to ease tensions.
"We feel that the most critical, most tense moment in Ukrainian-Polish relations is now behind us," he said.
The two countries are now moving in the direction Ukraine wants to see: repairing relations and reducing unnecessary tensions that, Tykhyi said, serve no one’s interests "except those sitting in Moscow."
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Ukraine was preparing to move to the practical stage of creating a special tribunal on Russia’s aggression. Tykhyi said personnel changes should not disrupt the process.
It was also reported that Kyiv does not intend to interfere in the domestic political processes of other countries. Ukraine will work with the political forces and government representatives chosen by their citizens, Tykhyi said.
