Poland’s former PM explains why Warsaw was ready to quickly recognize Ukraine’s independence in December 1991

Former Polish Prime Minister Jan Krzysztof Bielecki explained in an interview with Ukrinform why Warsaw was prepared to rapidly acknowledge Ukraine's independence in December 1991. Bielecki emphasized that this decision aligned with the Solidarity movement's principles from the early 1980s, which had long envisioned freedom. He recalled a crucial meeting with Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Kravchuk posed the question of Poland's readiness to recognize Ukraine's independence.

Bielecki stated that they were keen to act swiftly once Kravchuk brought up the topic, as other nations were likely not as proactive. By the end of 1991, Poland's Foreign Minister Krzysztof Skubiszewski and his deputy Jerzy Makarczyk were instrumental in pushing for the recognition process. Bielecki noted that Poland did not worry about Moscow's potential negative response, as they had learned from Lithuania's experience in 1990, where Russia attempted to block Vilnius's path to independence through force but ultimately withdrew.

With 90% of Ukrainians voting for independence in the December 1991 referendum, Bielecki argued that it was Poland's moral obligation to recognize the Ukrainian people's will. Poland became the first country to recognize Ukraine's independence on December 2, followed by Canada on the same day. According to Ukrinform, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of Russia's potential escalation of tensions, suggesting that the next seven to eight months could be decisive for the security of Ukraine, Poland, and the broader region.