Ukraine to launch image campaign in Poland to ease strained ties

Ukrainian officials are preparing to launch a campaign in Poland designed to improve the country's image following recent strain in relations between the two nations, foreign media report, citing the Polish outlet "Dziennik Gazeta Prawna".

Historical memory and public opinion

One goal of the campaign is to remind Polish society of historical examples of cooperation between the two nations, including the alliance between the Second Polish Republic and Symon Petliura during the 1920 war. At the same time, Kyiv plans to identify Poles who, despite the crisis in relations, have maintained a positive attitude toward Ukrainians, and to monitor Russian influence, including possible financial support for groups hostile to Ukrainians.

Closer contacts and a new working group

Zelensky's administration intends to strengthen contacts with Polish business figures, experts and media representatives. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry plans to set up a dedicated group focused on relations with Poland, which will include former Ukrainian ambassadors to Poland Vasyl Bodnar and Vasyl Zvarych.

Three possible scenarios

According to sources, this approach was one of three options discussed in Kyiv, with the alternatives being a wait-and-see approach or open confrontation with Warsaw. Kyiv also considered involving European Union institutions to investigate attacks on Ukrainians in Poland, but Zelensky reportedly rejected that option.