Ukrainian expert on the storm surrounding Zelensky's decision. He talks about Karol Nawrocki's movement
Petro Oleszczuk: I can assume that this is simply a continuation of the political line pursued by Karol Nawrocki. So this is probably his way of doing PR around a media hot topic.
What can you say about today's relations between Ukraine and Poland?
Everything is stable here. There are constant disputes and attempts to reach an agreement, but they do not lead to any final result. That's why I think this story will continue for a long time. That's what I was thinking about today. Poland, Israel… I think the most important thing is to simply be morally prepared for such things and approach them calmly. Because honestly, I have the impression that countries such as Poland or Israel are not psychologically ready to recognize Ukraine and Ukrainians as a fully independent nation.
I read a lot of comments, for example from Israelis, and sometimes they are very eloquent statements. They say: “Why can't Ukrainians find normal heroes?” It's as if there was some “hero finding ministry” where Zelensky decides in the morning who to nominate a hero today. This is absurd.
It's like asking why the United States celebrates Independence Day on a given day rather than moving it to another day. Nevertheless, it is historically conditioned. The main problem isn't the characters.
“I wouldn't dramatize this story. The situation may change over time.”
And what is it?
When people in Poland or Israel were outraged by Stepan Bandera, Andriy Melnyk or Symon Petlura, they often perceived it as if they were revered in Ukraine precisely because of their anti-Polish or anti-Jewish actions.
However, we must understand that the main reason why these people have become so important to Ukrainian history is that they once led the fight against Russia and Russian aggression. Today in Ukraine, everyone associated with the fight against Russia is heroized.
It's an absolutely natural process. And not because Zelensky or some other politician decided so. This is a natural social reaction. And the biggest problem is that neither Poles nor Israelis want to understand that this is not aimed at Poland or Israel. That's a completely different story. On the other hand, in Ukraine they do not understand why someone keeps telling Ukrainians how to live, especially during the war.
But the support of allies is very important for Ukraine. Maybe it's worth somehow circumventing such burning issues?
Difficult question. But what then – would Poland approve a list of names it doesn't like? What should it look like? In my opinion, this would be a bit embarrassing for the Ukrainian state. Especially since Poland itself would probably not agree to such a thing.
Poland is now very actively supported in the USA: they are transferring troops and developing arms production. This is a bit of a conspiracy theory, but such statements may also be part of an internal political game or an attempt to consolidate special relations with the USA.
How do you think Ukraine should react to Nawrocki's statement?
I think that Ukraine should express regret and hope that sensible decisions will prevail in this situation.
There is no need to react violently. Moreover, this is not the final decision yet – Nawrocki is just initiating this process. Appropriate procedures still need to be completed there and we don't know how it will all end. I wouldn't dramatize this story. The situation may change over time.
