Kaczyński Rebukes Czarnek Over Ukraine Remarks: “The Matter Will Be Clarified”

PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński distanced his party from Przemysław Czarnek’s controversial comments on Ukraine, emphasizing that military support remains a pillar of Polish national security and state policy.

Kaczyński’s Stance on Ukraine

Law and Justice (PiS) has consistently maintained that military assistance to Ukraine, including efforts coordinated by the European Union, is essential. Jarosław Kaczyński stated on X that this aid is a fundamental matter of Polish national interest and security. He added that the party leadership will address the recent statements made by Przemysław Czarnek.

Czarnek’s Calls for Pressure

Przemysław Czarnek, a PiS MP and the party’s candidate for prime minister, argued in a TV Republika interview that Poland should leverage its strategic position to force a radical shift in Ukraine’s course. He suggested that Poland and the international community should demand changes regarding historical issues and future relations.

Czarnek proposed using various tools, including blocking Ukraine’s EU accession or ceasing financial support for military aid, until the country moves away from ideologies he associated with German Nazism. He specifically cited the need for Ukraine to reject the glorification of figures associated with the OUN and UPA.

Historical Context and Diplomatic Tensions

The remarks follow the National Day of Remembrance for the victims of the genocide committed by Ukrainian nationalists on Volhynia in 1943. Recent tensions have surfaced between Warsaw and Kyiv regarding historical commemorations, particularly following President Zelenskyy’s decision to name a military unit after UPA heroes.

Government Criticism

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz condemned Czarnek’s comments as dangerous, accusing the PiS leadership of radicalizing its position to compete with far-right politician Grzegorz Braun. He described these calls as a clear threat to Poland’s state policy, which relies on the strategic necessity of a sovereign and successful Ukraine to keep Russian forces away from Polish borders.