Poland kept selling itself as Kyiv’s gateway to Europe—Ukraine stopped needing one, Polish journalist argues
Russian disinformation moved into the gap the two governments left, hardening a rupture neither of them prepared for, he wrote.
Polish journalist Mateusz Mazzini contends that Poland's approach to Ukraine has been misguided, arguing that Warsaw ceased to be Kyiv's necessary gateway to Europe. In The Guardian on August 26, 2026, Mazzini asserts that Poland misjudged how far Ukraine's ambitions had progressed and failed to adequately integrate refugees into society. The journalist also criticizes the belief that Poland could dictate Ukraine's EU membership prospects.
Relations between the two nations have deteriorated due to disputes over refugee policies, historical grievances, and divergent attitudes toward Ukrainians. A CBOS poll revealed that 52% of Poles opposed accepting Ukrainian refugees, a significant shift from the 42% who supported it in prior surveys.
Russian disinformation on Polish social media has exacerbated tensions, fueling hostility and violence. On June 19, 2026, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, citing historical disputes over the Ukrainian Insurgent Army's role in World War II massacres of Poles in Volhynia. Despite this, Poland continues to support Ukraine due to Russia's aggression threatening both nations.
Ukrainian citizens have increasingly established economic independence in Poland, with over 33,000 sole proprietorships formed in 2024, according to the Polish Economic Institute. Ukraine has transitioned from relying on Western aid to selling military technology and expertise globally. Mazzini argues that Ukraine now approaches Western capitals on its own, no longer needing Poland as an advocate.
Looking ahead, Mazzini predicts Ukraine will integrate more deeply into the European economy, directly competing with French and German businesses. He warns that Poland has learned the lesson of misreading Ukraine, and other European nations should avoid repeating the mistake. The journalist emphasizes the violence targeting Ukrainians in Poland, with 180 hate-crime reports filed with police in the first half of 2026, marking a 30% increase from the previous year.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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