Poland is a strong supporter of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union and NATO, as highlighted by Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrij Sybiha, in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda. Sybiha emphasized that Ukrainian membership in the EU aligns with Polish interests.
In the interview published on Tuesday, Sybiha noted, “We have the backing of Polish authorities regarding Ukraine’s bid for EU and NATO membership. Poland is one of our greatest advocates.”
When asked about Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s stance on the matter, Sybiha stated, “I have no reason to suggest that he does not support this position.”
He reiterated his belief that Ukraine’s inclusion in the European Union is beneficial for Poland, acknowledging an awareness of this within the country.
Sybiha remarked on the EU’s foundational philosophy of compromise, asserting that nations that have successfully navigated this process understand the mutual benefits of accession for both new and existing members, leading him to remain optimistic about finding compromise solutions.
The minister acknowledged concerns within Ukrainian society that, even sans Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, there will always be a state poised to obstruct Ukraine’s EU accession. He emphasized that the risk persists, with some partners candidly communicating this to Kyiv.
“Our negotiations will undoubtedly be challenging. Some partners have directly expressed that these discussions will be tied to their internal political dynamics,” he stated.
Sybiha highlighted recent significant advances in addressing sensitive historical matters with Poland. He noted that Ukrainian President Wołodymyr Zełenski has endorsed the unhindered exhumation of Polish war victims in Ukraine, with the implementation of this decision already underway, as permits are being granted by both nations.
“There should be no barriers to exhumations. Every victim deserves respect and remembrance,” he asserted.
When queried about whether historical grievances might diminish in importance within Ukraine-Poland relations, Sybiha pointed out the visible progress and stressed that sincere dialogue and an openness to understand each other’s needs are crucial.
For years, Poland and Ukraine have been at odds over the legacy of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, responsible for the ethnic cleansing of almost 100,000 Poles between 1943 and 1945. Since spring 2017, a dispute has persisted over a ban on searches and exhumations of Polish war victims in Ukraine, enacted by the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance following the removal of a UPA monument in Hruszowice.
This ban was announced to be lifted at a press conference by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Andrij Sybiha in late November 2024.
During a meeting in Warsaw at the end of December, Zełenski expressed his commitment to expedite exhumations in Volhynia, a priority for President Nawrocki.
On Sunday, Zełenski stated that Ukraine would be fully prepared for EU membership by 2027. (28.01.26)
Leave a Reply