A Call for Unity: Polish and Ukrainian Media Demand an End to Hostility

Leading Polish and Ukrainian media outlets have issued a joint appeal urging both nations to set aside historical grievances and divisive rhetoric to focus on the common struggle against Russian imperialism.

The High Price of Defense

Ukraine has been facing Putin’s criminal aggression for twelve years, with the last five defined by a full-scale war. By defending itself, Ukraine is also shielding Poland and Europe from Russian expansionism.

This defense comes at a devastating cost. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced, and vast swathes of the country remain under occupation as bombs continue to fall on towns and villages daily.

Solidarity in a Time of Crisis

Since the first hours of the invasion, Poland and its European allies have provided vital military, financial, and humanitarian support, welcoming nearly two million Ukrainian refugees. The scale of Polish solidarity in 2022 gained global recognition.

Unfortunately, current tensions are straining the relationship between Poles and Ukrainians. This hostility creates unnecessary challenges for politicians, media, and civil society in both nations, while playing directly into the hands of Russian propaganda.

A Strategic Priority Over Historical Disputes

We are fully aware of the tragic pages in our shared history, which are often exploited by politicians for personal gain. However, our immediate mission is to stop Putin’s Russia. Serious dialogue about the past, the admission of guilt, and true reconciliation can only happen after Ukraine defeats the aggressor.

Russia has spent years sowing disinformation to drive a wedge between our nations. The current crisis only facilitates these efforts. It is a moment of trial, and both societies must resist manipulation to support one another for the sake of our shared future within the European Union.

The Duty of Memory

In 2013, Presidents Leonid Kuchma and Aleksander Kwaśniewski warned that commemorating the victims of past conflicts must not become a tool for fueling new animosity. Today, that responsibility falls upon all of us.