Polish parliamentary speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty lambasted President Karol Nawrocki’s remarks on Poland‑Ukraine relations following Nawrocki’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 19 December.
Meeting with Zelenskyy Sparks Controversy
On Friday, 19 December, President Karol Nawrocki met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A few days earlier, on Monday, Nawrocki appeared in an interview with Wirtualna Polska, where he said that Poland had “lost the element of partnership” on the Poland‑Ukraine line. He added that Poland “truly supports Ukraine” and that they must “learn to act as partners, not as junior partners.”
Czarzasty’s Sharp Rebuke
In response to Nawrocki’s comments on 19 December, Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty remarked that he was not interested in men who “specialise in biting people in the forest.” He said he did not know what the president had lost, insisting that Poland had not lost any sovereignty and that the nation should “build its sovereignty even more.”
Call for Government‑Level Coordination
Czarzasty warned that a meeting between Nawrocki and Zelenskyy “should be arranged with the government centre, because the government centre directs foreign policy.” He highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to foreign relations.
Poland‑Ukraine Relations Amid War
The head of the Left acknowledged that Polish‑Ukrainian relations require improvement. He noted that Ukraine is currently fighting a war, and a defeat would bring danger closer to Poland. He urged careful planning, saying, “We won’t stand in the hallway. We’ll give them a push and it will be fine.” He added, “If I meet them in the forest, I’ll show who is stronger,” noting that he is exaggerating to illustrate two approaches.
Foreign‑Policy Style: Toughness vs. Partnership
Czarzasty argued that using strong words, force, intimidation, and superiority is not an effective foreign‑policy method. He claimed that the current government follows a partner‑oriented approach in its talks with Ukraine.