Ukraine Is Ready for Dialogue with Poland Amid Tensions in Relations, Says Sibiga
Ukraine is calling on Poland to make measured decisions and engage in diplomatic dialogue amid a new escalation in bilateral relations.
Kyiv insists on the need to use diplomatic tools and maintain channels of communication between the two countries.
“We know that July 11 is a rather sensitive date for Poland. That is, the Volhynia tragedy will be commemorated. And we call for restraint; we are open to diplomatic dialogue. We believe that the full range of diplomatic tools should be utilized, and we are ready to do so,” Andriy Sibiga emphasized.
Sybiga sharply criticized Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, calling it a “huge mistake.”
“This is a huge mistake. And it’s no wonder he’s now receiving applause from Moscow. Unfortunately, Moscow is the primary beneficiary of the disputes and quarrels that exist between our peoples. That is why we call for restraint and diplomacy—we are ready for it,” the minister stated.
The foreign minister emphasized that Ukraine and Poland have already made progress on sensitive historical issues, particularly regarding exhumations and the work of historians.
“Exhumations have begun, and a dialogue among historians has started. We have depoliticized these issues. And it is very important now not to politicize sensitive issues of the historical past,” Sibiga said.
He added that historical topics should remain within the realm of scholarly discussion.
The minister also stated that Ukraine would respond to unfriendly actions by its partners.
“We will now respond in kind. And I want our Polish friends to hear this,” Sibiga said.
These latest statements came amid ongoing diplomatic tensions following decisions regarding mutual awards and historical disputes that have affected the political dialogue between Kyiv and Warsaw.
This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga during a television appearance.
Polish Sejm Speaker Włodzimierz Czazasty sharply criticized Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after UPA heroes, calling it “nonsense,” but emphasized the need to maintain dialogue between Warsaw and Kyiv.
Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski stated that the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Polish politics could have serious consequences for the country’s economy and labor market.
The third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, emphasized that in relations between Ukraine and Poland, it is important to maintain the political formula of “we forgive and ask for forgiveness.”
Former Polish Sejm deputy Piotr Fogler returned his state award—the “Golden Cross of Merit”—to the president as a sign of protest and solidarity with Ukraine.
Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman announced that he had returned the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received in 2011 for developing regional cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish cities.
On June 20, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko also announced that he was renouncing his Polish state order, emphasizing that this step was not directed against the Polish people; at the same time, he also made some critical remarks about incumbent President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Earlier, Zelenskyy had sent Navrotsky the Order of the White Eagle via Nova Poshta.
Following this, Leonid Kuchma declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
Ukraine’s third president, Viktor Yushchenko, also declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
In addition, Borys Tarasyuk will return his Polish order due to Navrotsky’s policies.
