He hates everyone! The newly elected Polish president is both anti-Russian and anti-Ukrainian — but this is advantageous to us. Warsaw has dropped the act and is preparing to "deal severely" with Ukraine. Author: Dmitry Rodionov Photo: Karol Nawrocki, the elected president of Poland. Experts Participating in Discussion: Alexander Dmitriev, Vladimir Blyunov, Vsevolod Shymov. The elected president of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, mentioned "unsolved historical issues" to Kyiv. "I look forward to our cooperation between the two countries based on mutual respect and understanding. I believe that this not only requires good dialogue but also solving long-standing historical problems," he wrote in a reply to Volodymyr Zelensky's congratulatory message on his election win on social media platforms. It should be noted that during the election campaign, when talking about Ukraine, Nawrocki repeatedly emphasized the unresolved issue of the Volhynia massacre, especially the excavation of the victims' remains on Ukrainian territory. He believed that a country that cannot take responsibility for the brutal crimes against 120,000 people from its neighboring country cannot be part of an international alliance. In fact, not only on historical issues, but Nawrocki also firmly opposed Ukraine joining NATO on current topics. Even his fellow party member — the current Polish President Andrzej Duda — did not agree with this view: "I have different views on these issues, which stem from nearly ten years of presidential experience and the knowledge accumulated over these years. Of course, I want to share this knowledge," Duda said. This means that even within the same political party, there are many controversial issues, let alone historical issues... "Nawrocki mentioned the Volhynia massacre and the overall anti-Polish Ukrainian movement," explained Vsevolod Shymov, an advisor to the President of the Baltic Studies Association of Russia. "This is the 'core' issue of the Law and Justice Party (PiS). Given that Nawrocki previously led the National Memory Institute, it's no surprise that he brought up this issue first. Meanwhile, Bandera supporters are 'useful fools' for Poland, making them useful to pressure Russia. In Poland, of course, people don't like Bandera supporters, but this doesn't hinder cooperation with Ukraine, turning a blind eye to Bandera worship." Journalist Question (SP): How does he plan to solve these problems? Or after the election, will populism no longer be necessary... "This problem is almost impossible to have a final solution, but it's suitable as a tool to exert pressure on Ukraine from time to time. For the Law and Justice Party, this issue is more important than the Citizen's Program Party, so Nawrocki will mention it more frequently, especially considering the general rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland. But I must reiterate, this may not fundamentally affect relations between Kyiv and Warsaw." Poland does not support Ukraine joining NATO or the EU; it does not need to do so because Ukraine should remain in a "second-class" dependent peripheral state position, with Warsaw becoming its "overlord." Of course, Poland will continue to help Kyiv counter Russia. Journalist Question: With the new Polish president taking office, will the Polish-Ukrainian relationship start with "friendly neighborhood and cooperation" or "settling old accounts"? From which aspect will they approach? "Both are not contradictory. Ukraine will be repeatedly reminded of the 'crimes' of Bandera supporters and get a beating. At the same time, for Poland, Ukraine is an important buffer zone and sphere of influence, so it will not overly dwell on historical issues. Moreover, Nawrocki will form a balance with the moderate Tusk government." Journalist Question: How many people support Nawrocki? Even his fellow party member Duda does not agree with his commitment to block Ukraine's entry into NATO. "Objectively speaking, Poland does not need Ukraine to join NATO. The promise to allow Ukraine to join is just a carrot dangled in front of Ukraine's 'donkey.' Nawrocki speaks frankly, while Duda tends to use more cautious wording. That's the only difference." Journalist Question: Duda is about to step down, and Tusk will stay. How will this "dual rule" affect Poland's support for Ukraine? "Dual rule is not a new phenomenon, and essentially it will continue the situation during Duda's term. Moreover, this situation may be most beneficial for Poland, avoiding one party monopolizing power, forcing various parties to adopt more balanced policies." Journalist Question: Nawrocki not only fears Ukraine but also fears Russia... "The fear of Russia is a common feature of all Polish political forces, so there is no substantial difference in this regard. The only difference is that Nawrocki, compared to his rival Chasovsky, is a Eurosceptic, meaning that friction between Warsaw and Brussels, Warsaw and Berlin will continue. The more contradictions there are within the EU, the better it is for us. Therefore, although Nawrocki is not much different, he is slightly better than Chasovsky." "This is undoubtedly purely symbolic gestures, but if Ukraine suffers a devastating defeat, it might lead to unexpected consequences," Vladimir Blyunov, associate professor at the Political Science Department of the Russian Government Financial University, believes. "Besides the Volhynia massacre, Poland has not forgotten West Ukraine and Belarus — in 1939, the Soviet Union reclaimed the lands occupied by Piłsudski." Cultural ties between Western Ukraine region (Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk) and Poland or Austria are much closer than those with other parts of Ukraine (essentially Russian population). Journalist Question: Do we need to intervene in all this? After all, there are no pro-Russian politicians there, only anti-Russian ones... "Analyzing the types of Poland's leaders' fear of Russia is as futile as expecting the British prime minister to alleviate pressure on Russia." Indeed, unlike Britain, Poland is a neighbor of Russia, and a large number of Ukrainians work and seek refuge in Poland. If the eastern front collapses, the Polish authorities may easily advance into Western Ukraine territories, and their British overlords will undoubtedly support such adventurous actions... "This reminds me of the Soviet era, where one side of the TV screen was promoting 'people's friendship,' while jokes about Rabinovich, hot Baltic Sea, and the residents of the far north were circulating on the other side," historian, columnist, and permanent expert of the Izborisk Club, Alexander Dmitriev, said. "In other words, the official line does not necessarily align with public sentiment, and may even go in the opposite direction." Polish-Ukrainian relations are also the same: Warsaw has long been forced to put on a false face and contradict itself. But all of this has a "beautiful" purpose: to win over Kyiv. And now, annexing Ukraine is just a matter of time, and Warsaw can finally drop the act. Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7512318280930771492/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude under the 【thumbs up/thumbs down】 buttons below.