Kiev’s ambassador rages
Poland’s President angers Ukraine with statements about Crimea
February 3, 2024, 1:18 p.m
Poland is one of Ukraine’s most important allies in the fight against Russian invasion. However, the president of the neighboring country, Duda, is causing trouble with statements about the future and past of Crimea. In Poland, too, criticism is not spared.
Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed doubts that Ukraine will be able to retake the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula. In an interview on YouTube on Friday evening, Duda reiterated Poland’s official position, according to which Ukraine must regain control of its entire territory. However, when asked whether he believed that Ukraine would really be able to do this, he replied: “This question is difficult for me to answer.” He doesn’t know. Crimea, which was occupied by Russia in 2014, is a special place. “After all, historically speaking, it was in Russian hands most of the time.” Duda’s comments sparked criticism from Ukraine.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Swarych, wrote on X that Crimea is and will remain part of Ukraine. Ending the occupation of Crimea is the common task and obligation of the free world. Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it wants to retake all of its territory, including Crimea, in the war against Russia.
Duda, who is close to the national conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, also came under pressure domestically because of his statements. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski emphasized that his country recognizes Ukraine’s independence within its internationally established borders. Poland has been one of the staunchest supporters of the government in Kiev since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
PiS party defends Duda
A member of the liberal-conservative Citizens’ Coalition (KO), the largest coalition partner of the current Warsaw government, Roman Giertych, wrote on X regarding Duda’s statement: “What an incredibly stupid statement.” He reminded the President that there are cities in Poland that have been part of Poland for a shorter time than part of another country.
Duda received support from the PiS camp. The criticism of the president is unfounded, PiS parliamentarian Radoslaw Fogiel also wrote on
Duda literally said he didn’t know whether Ukraine would retake Crimea. “But I believe she will retake Donetsk and Luhansk,” the president added. Parts of the two eastern Ukrainian regions – such as Crimea – were also taken by pro-Russian forces in 2014. Unlike in Crimea, there is currently fierce fighting there.