President Volodymyr Zelensky has shifted his rhetoric regarding the conflict with Poland, stating in Dublin on Wednesday that Ukraine is ready to answer any questions. Speaking during a press conference after Ireland took over the rotating presidency of the EU Council, Zelensky emphasized the need for unity against a common aggressor.
Zelensky, who just days earlier had defiantly declared that no one would dictate to Ukraine how to live or whom to honor, adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Warsaw. The dispute centers on a Ukrainian military unit named after Stepan Bandera, a controversial nationalist leader whose followers are accused of massacring Poles during World War II. Poland’s defense minister has explicitly stated that Ukraine with Bandera will not join the European Union.
Historical ties and security concerns
– We are neighbors and like most countries in Europe we have had problems in the past. But we live now and we face one aggressor. We must think about security – said Volodymyr Zelensky. He added that the two nations share a deep history and are now strong friends. – If there are questions, there will be answers. Ukraine is ready for that – he stated, signaling a willingness to address Polish concerns.
The Ukrainian president stressed that both countries have a common enemy in Russia and that bilateral disputes should not overshadow the larger security challenges. His remarks come amid a growing rift that could complicate Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Obstacles on the path to EU accession
– Ukraine with Bandera will not enter the European Union – said Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, echoing a hardline stance that has alarmed Kyiv. Hungary, under its new leadership after Peter Magyar’s election victory, has also warned it will not support fast-tracking Ukraine’s membership talks. Nevertheless, Zelensky expressed confidence in unanimous EU support.
– We count on the unanimity of member states. The Union should be guided by principles, not emotions. Ukraine has fulfilled all conditions for opening clusters, and we hope the Hungarian prime minister and the Polish government will support our accession – said Zelensky. He added that it is in every country’s interest to see Ukraine join the EU as soon as possible.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin acknowledged that bilateral issues often arise during accession processes, citing the Western Balkans as an example. He noted that the EU must find compromises and respect differing perspectives among member states, expressing optimism about the new political climate in Hungary.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
