Today at 13:02
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Russia stands to benefit most from any serious deterioration in relations between Poland and Ukraine, warning that Moscow is actively seeking to inflame tensions between the two neighboring countries, UATV English reports.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary of the Volhynia tragedy, Tusk said both Russian influence operations and nationalist extremists on either side of the border are attempting to exploit historical disputes for political purposes.
“These anti-Ukrainian and anti-Polish provocations make no political sense. They harm both Ukraine and Poland,” Tusk said.
The prime minister argued that Russian bots play a significant role in fueling tensions online.
“This is basic politics: the Russians are rubbing their hands when they see they can inflame emotional conflict between Poland and Ukraine. They would be happiest if a dramatic political crisis erupted in Polish-Ukrainian relations,” he said.
Tusk pledged that the Polish government would continue to counter disinformation and hostile propaganda aimed at undermining bilateral ties.
He also welcomed the recent meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish President Karol Nawrocki on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, saying the public messages from both leaders suggest they recognize that recent tensions have gone too far.
“The public signals from both presidents show they understand this crisis has gone too far and is harming both Poland and Ukraine,” Tusk said.
The Polish prime minister added that Warsaw expects Ukrainian authorities to respond to any anti-Polish incidents, while stressing that Poland will prosecute attacks or harassment targeting people based on nationality, ethnicity, or political views.
“Anyone who attacks or persecutes people because of their nationality, race, or beliefs is committing a crime, and the Polish authorities will respond with the full force of the law,” he said.
Tusk also emphasized that historical issues should be approached responsibly, arguing that truth remains the foundation of Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation and European unity.
