Modern Ukrainian-Polish Relations: Contradictions and Alliance

Abstract

The formation of an allied strategic partnership between Ukraine and Poland has been analyzed. It has been demonstrated that the key factor of contradictions in Ukrainian-Polish relations is their complex shared cultural and historical heritage. The Volyn tragedy of 1943–1944 became the central issue of confrontation, having long-lasting consequences for both the Ukrainian and Polish populations. The purpose of the study is to analyze contemporary Ukrainian-Polish relations, with emphasis on key contradictions and prospects for the development of partnership in the context of war (Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine). Methods. The use of content analysis made it possible to explore the contradictions and alliance within Ukraine-Poland relations. A comparative analysis of Ukrainian and Polish relations allowed for the identification of prospects and contradictions. Results. Polish political forces attempt unilaterally to portray Poles as victims of the aggressive activities of Ukrainian nationalist formations during the Second World War. However, it has been proven that, despite cultural and historical differences, Poland became one of the first countries to provide military and humanitarian support to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s hybrid war in 2014 and its full-scale invasion in 2022. Conclusions. Thus, despite bilateral contradictions between Ukraine and Poland, both sides have become powerful coordinators of security efforts during Russia’s full-scale invasion. Poland is one of the countries that, from the first months of the full-scale war, has provided assistance to Ukrainian refugees and organized supply routes for arms to Ukraine, already estimated at over 5 billion euros. It has been established that, despite Russia’s open aggression, an important trade agreement was signed between Poland and Ukraine to expand opportunities for a number of Polish companies and workers.