Polish Anti-War Protesters Rally Against Government's Ukraine Support

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday to urge the government to stop supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. The demonstrators, organized by local anti-war groups, argued that Poland risks being dragged into the conflict due to its strong backing of Ukraine.

Protesters chanted slogans like "Not our war" and carried banners criticizing what they called the "Americanization of Poland." The key figure behind the march, Polish political scientist Leszek Sykulski, has opposed the military aid provided by Warsaw to Ukraine and advocated for better ties with Russia.

Poland has become a vital ally for Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, providing military aid and serving as a hub for weapons from other Western countries. However, tensions have arisen between Kiev and Warsaw in recent months over economic issues.

Polish farmers and truckers have staged protests along the Polish-Ukrainian border, objecting to the influx of cheap Ukrainian agricultural produce and freight competition. In February, Polish farmers were accused of stopping trucks carrying Ukrainian grain at a border crossing and dumping the cargo onto the road, an incident Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called "unacceptable."

Why this matters: The protests highlight growing divisions within Poland over its strong support for Ukraine. The economic tensions have taken on a nativist tone, marking a departure from the widespread solidarity shown by Poles towards Ukrainian refugees in 2022.

The Polish government is now considering measures that could cut social benefits for Ukrainians who cannot produce valid passports, and is reviewing rules that may deport fighting-age Ukrainian men back to Ukraine at Kyiv's request. This reflects a shift from the altruistic solidarity of 2022 to a more self-interested approach focused on Poland's national interests.

Polish truck drivers have also been blocking border crossings with Ukraine since November, demanding the reintroduction of entry permits for Ukrainian truckers heading to EU countries. The protests have caused long delays, with over 20,000 vehicles blocked on both sides. Ukrainian officials said they respect the right to protest and are ready for dialogue to resolve the situation.

Despite the economic tensions, Poland remains a key security partner for Ukraine. Polish officials have emphasized the need to maintain close cooperation in the face of the ongoing Russian threat. The two countries' infrastructure ministers are expected to hold talks in the coming days to try to reach a constructive solution to the border issues.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of Poles protested Warsaw's support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
• Protesters criticized Poland's "Americanization" and called for better ties with Russia.
• Tensions between Poland and Ukraine over economic issues, including agricultural trade.
• Poland considering cutting benefits for Ukrainians, deporting fighting-age men to Ukraine.
• Despite tensions, Poland remains a key security partner for Ukraine against Russia.