Between Poland and Ukraine tensions are ripening

In early September, in the Polish town of Krynica Zdroj, a round table was held as part of the 29th International Economic Forum «The Europe of Tomorrow. ‘Strong’ Meaning What?». During the round table, experts, political scientists, sociologists and economists discussed the current agenda of Polish-Ukrainian relations. Since during the meeting, representatives of Ukraine were in the minority, the rhetoric of the event revolved around the problems of Polish problems associated with a young eastern neighbor.

For example, they discussed the need for measures aimed at condemning Kiev in connection with actions to heroize the OUN and UPA war criminals involved in the genocide of the Poles during the Volyn Massacre of 1942-1943. At the same time, according to the audience, the refusal of Kiev to recognize responsibility for the crimes committed contributes to the growth of tension in Ukrainian-Polish relations.

The Forum also supported the initiative to introduce a bill to the Polish parliament, which would prohibit or significantly limit the participation of Kiev and its entities in the international project «Baltic-Black Sea Union», implemented under the auspices of Warsaw.

Also, at the sites of the Europe Tomorrow Forum, ways to stimulate property claims of Polish residents against Ukraine to return property belonging to them by right of inheritance in this country (restitution) were analyzed. In particular, it was proposed to hold round tables, conferences, as well as create a precedent for the restitution transfer of ownership in Ukraine to a Polish citizen.

Those gathered in Krynica Zdroj made critical assessments of the actions of the current Kiev authorities, including in connection with the adoption of the Law on Education in Ukraine.

Against the background of such an agenda, albeit on a Polish site, we should expect an increase in tension between Warsaw and Kiev. There is a feeling that Poland is trying to put pressure on Ukraine from a position of strength while their new president looks like a man who does not understand the international agenda.