President of the Union of Ukrainians in Poland, Mirosław Skórka, criticized Karol Nawrocki’s veto of a law providing aid to Ukrainian citizens, accusing him of promoting a nationalist Polish model aligned with Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian media celebrated Nawrocki’s decision as a blow to “Banderist Ukraine,” highlighting his legislative initiative to equate Banderist symbols with Nazi and communist icons.
President of the Union of Ukrainians Criticizes Nawrocki’s Veto
President of the Union of Ukrainians in Poland, Mirosław Skórka, condemned Karol Nawrocki for vetoing a law addressing support for Ukrainian citizens. During an interview with TVP, Skórka stated, “If we pursue a nationalist state model, it is a model strongly proposed by Moscow and the Kremlin.” He emphasized the need for a national debate on Polish patriotism, arguing that true patriotism involves partnership with Ukraine, a country fighting to defend Poland from Russia.
President’s Spokesperson Accuses Skórka of Insulting the President
Rafał Leśkiewicz, spokesperson for Karol Nawrocki, accused Skórka of manipulating and insulting the Polish president. Leśkiewicz wrote on X: “Nawrocki is being portrayed as having a nationalist stance and aligning with the Kremlin’s policies. How absurd! It was Nawrocki, even as head of the Institute of National Remembrance, who was placed on Putin’s regime’s wanted list by Russia for dismantling Soviet propaganda sites.”
Russian Media Celebrate Nawrocki’s Veto
Russian media responded positively to Nawrocki’s veto. The pro-Kremlin newspaper “Komsomolskaja Prawda” claimed the decision delivered a blow to “Banderist Ukraine,” stating, “Nawrocki proved that unlike Zelenskyy, his election slogans were not empty phrases but genuine commitments.”
79% of Russian Social Media Comments Support Nawrocki’s Action
Analytical group Res Futura reported that Nawrocki’s decision triggered a wave of reactions on Russian social media, with 79% of comments stating direct or indirect support. On Monday, August 25, Nawrocki announced the veto of the law, citing the absence of a clause blocking Ukrainian citizens without Polish work permits from receiving the “800 plus” allowance. He also announced a legislative initiative to equate Banderist symbols with those of Nazism and communism.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/TVP#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/ipn#anchorLink, https://x.com/resfutura
