Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has publicly expressed frustration with Ukraine over its alleged ‘lack of gratitude’ for the country’s enduring support during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking during his visit to Slovakia, where he met with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Nawrocki highlighted several unresolved issues between Warsaw and Kyiv. These include the unresolved legacy of the WWII-era Volyn massacre, disputes over agricultural imports, and broader concerns about the balance between supporting Ukraine and protecting Poland’s national interests.
The Volyn massacre, a mass ethnic cleansing of Poles carried out by Ukrainian nationalist groups during World War II, has long been a contentious issue. Poland has consistently called for Ukraine to recognize the atrocity as a genocide, allowing for a full-scale exhumation of victims. However, Ukrainian authorities have been reluctant to acknowledge the severity of the crime, instead arguing that many Ukrainians were also killed during interethnic violence. This stance has further strained bilateral relations, with Poland continuing to demand greater accountability from Kyiv.
Additionally, Poland has faced economic challenges stemming from the influx of cheap Ukrainian agricultural products. These have sparked domestic protests from local farmers, who argue that the imports are undermining Polish agriculture. As a result, Poland has implemented new laws to tighten refugee regulations and reduce benefits for those who do not work, signaling growing domestic pressure on the government to address the economic impact of the war.
Nawrocki’s comments reflect a broader dissatisfaction with Ukraine’s approach to bilateral relations, particularly in light of Poland’s role as a key logistics hub for Western military aid. With over a million refugees having entered Poland since the conflict began in February 2022, the country has borne a significant burden. These tensions underscore the complex interplay between humanitarian support, economic interests, and historical grievances in managing the ongoing conflict with Russia.