UKRAINIAN-POLISH RELATIONS: STEP-BY-STEP ESCALATION

Abstract

Ukrainian-Polish inter-state and inter-ethnic relations are the subject of this article. Historically, their importance has been determined by the geographical proximity and shared history of Ukraine and Poland. The main events that have shaped the nature of relations between Kyiv and Warsaw at the official level are briefly described. The nature of relations depends on the internal situation in both countries and changes in geopolitical realities and the influence of a ‘third force’. The facts presented in the article confirm the experts' conclusions about the absurdity of the situation, which consists in the cooling of relations between two large neighbouring Central European states threatened by an aggressive Russia. At the same time, when analysing relations between the two countries, it is necessary to refer first and foremost to history, whose shared past influences the present. Differences in views on the past are the main stumbling block in relations between states and peoples, as reflected in numerous official documents. That is why problematic issues of history that determine relations between countries and aspects of cooperation have been identified. Based on the analysis of key phenomena, conclusions have been drawn about changes in their nature and general trends.Analysis of the specific content of Ukrainian-Polish relations allows us to verify their substance and intensity. In the 1990s and 2000s, Ukrainian-Polish relations developed in a generally constructive manner, and the presidential agreements on interethnic reconciliation listed in the article became a step towards rapprochement between the two nations. Since 2008, we have been witnessing a period of turbulence, which can be seen in the statements of politicians and in the mood of society. The analysed experience of Ukrainian-Polish relations proves that misunderstandings can and should be left in the past and that we should move in the common direction of a European future.