The article discusses the upcoming presidential run-off election in Poland and its potential implications for Ukraine. Two candidates, Trzaskowski and Nawrocki, are vying for the presidency, with different views on Ukraine’s integration with the West.
Trzaskowski, who is considered to be more pro-Ukrainian, has pledged to increase defense spending, strengthen the Polish military, and continue supporting Ukraine militarily. He also promises to gain more leverage in the EU, together with heavyweight politicians such as Tusk or Polish hawkish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.
On the other hand, Nawrocki, who is a nationalist and not a member of PiS, has pledged to lower taxes, reject what he calls the EU’s “sick” climate policies, and end what he described as Ukraine’s “indecent” treatment of Poland. He positions himself as an independent candidate and has been supported by Donald Trump.
The article notes that Ukrainian historians and publicists are watching the election closely, with some expressing concern about the potential implications for Ukraine. One historian, Wasyl Rasevych, said that if the most pro-Ukrainian candidate calls Ukraine a “buffer zone”, it’s a clear sign something has gone wrong.
Polish authorities have also uncovered a foreign-funded disinformation campaign on Facebook and cyberattacks targeting government parties, which officials suspect are linked to Russia. Some argue that Russian meddling is overstated, while others see it as part of a wider hybrid warfare strategy to destabilize Ukraine’s allies.
The article concludes by noting that Poland and Ukraine remain strategic allies, but the key difference lies in their vision of international alliances – and their willingness to sideline Ukraine’s interests.
