A former Polish president believes Warsaw risks missing a historic opportunity unless its current leader treats Ukraine as a strategic partner.
Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski said that, on issues related to Ukraine, Karol Nawrocki still acts more like the former head of the Institute of National Remembrance than the head of state. In his view, such a position does not serve Poland’s interests.
As reported by the online media outlet Ukrinform.
Perhaps he needs to step away from his old role and move into the new one.
– Aleksander Kwaśniewski
Kwaśniewski recalled that Nawrocki is a historian, previously headed the Institute of National Remembrance, and has repeatedly spoken about the Ukrainian-Polish past and the Volhynia tragedy. Asked whether the Polish president had left that role behind, Kwaśniewski replied that, when it comes to issues concerning Ukraine, unfortunately, he had not.
According to the former president, Poland and Ukraine need regular dialogue at the highest level – between their presidents, governments, and ministers. He called avoiding such contact on the part of either country a serious mistake.
The arguments for building strategic Polish-Ukrainian relations are so strong that, ultimately, even those who have serious doubts will have to accept them.
– Aleksander Kwaśniewski
Kwaśniewski also noted that even if the war develops unfavorably, Ukraine will remain a major European state. He pointed to its large market, substantial human potential, and opportunities for business and tourism development.
Ukraine cannot be viewed as a temporary or seasonal phenomenon. It will be a permanent element of the new European architecture.
– Aleksander Kwaśniewski
In his view, Poland, as a neighboring country and one of Europe’s major states, should play a leading role in shaping these relations.
Kwaśniewski compared the current situation with his experience of developing Polish-Ukrainian relations during Leonid Kuchma’s presidency. At that time, he said, policy was based on reality, arguments, needs, and interests – not emotions.
Karol Nawrocki headed Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance from 2021 to 2025, after which he was elected president of the country.