In a recent interview Ukrainian Presidential Office adviser Mykhailo Podolyak did make a statement about competition with Poland, but only in the context of post-war free trade and market economy. He noted that Ukraine and Poland have different positions on some economic issues, but this does not threaten relations between the two countries.
Russian media are actively spreading manipulative claims that Ukraine is allegedly threatening Poland with a “complete break in relations.” Referring to a quote by Presidential Office chief of staff adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, Russian media claim that “the Ukrainian-Polish friendship has come to an end” and that “a rift has already begun in relations between the two allies.”
Russian media’s claims about a breakup of the Ukrainian-Polish friendship is based on an interview with Podolyak, on the Freedom TV channel. Among other things, Podolyak was asked about Ukrainian-Polish relations in the face of a huge number of narratives aimed at undermining trust between the two countries that the Russian propaganda machine is pushing incessantly.
Dismissing Russian propagandist claims, Podolyak emphasized that bilateral Ukrainian-Polish relations are at their highest level.
“In my opinion, bilateral Ukrainian-Polish relations are at the highest level today. There is an excellent dialogue between President Duda and President Zelensky. I see no divergence here…. We also understand that while Ukraine is doing the necessary work on the battlefield, Poland is the essential hub through which supplies go to Ukraine. That is, we are interdependent in solving the key task of defeating the Russian Federation. And there are no problems,” Podolyak said.
Podolyak also mentioned competition with Poland, but in the context of post-war market economy and free trade. He noted that Ukraine and Poland hold different views on some economic issues, but this does not threaten relations between the two countries.Podolyak did not threaten to “sever relations” with the Polish leadership and did not issue any ultimatums. On the contrary, he talked about negotiations between Poland and Ukraine in the field of agriculture and emphasized that “this discussion will not lead to a rupture in relations or anything like that.”
“A discussion should be conducted properly, as openly as possible, and one should not be afraid of a public debate. I do not see any problem in the current discussion between Poland and Ukraine, and this discussion will definitely not lead to a rupture or anything like that. Poland is our closest partner and friend. And it will remain so until the end of the war. Of course, after the war is over, we will have competitive relations. Of course, we will compete for certain consumer markets, and so on. And again, we will take a pro-Ukrainian position, defend our interests, not only in relation to Poland, but also in relation to any other country,” Podolyak summarized.
Mykhailo Podolyak did not make any radical statements about “depriving Poland of the status of closest friend”. Such claims are Kremlin loyal media distortions and manipulations.
Russian authorities and pro-Kremlin media constantly attack the strong political relations between Poland and Ukraine, and actively spread disinformation in an attempt to undermine trust between the two allies. Read more in StopFake stories Fake: Lviv Region to be Annexed to Poland by Referendum and Fake: Polish President Hints at Absorbing Ukraine.
