Commentary
Society
Unlocked
The Means Of Destruction
28 November 2023
The ruling nationalist party of Poland has tried to capitalise on the well-deserved gratitude Kyiv and the West had for the society’s laudable response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but like other right-wing populists, their own policies got in their way.
Poland’s surprise move to block Ukraine’s grain exports is just one example of the chaotic hypocrisy of its nationalist government. Even worse, the inflated expectations of how Warsaw can play the role of Ukraine’s EU champion or become a new “centre of gravity” in Europe are divorced from reality.
The decision, followed by other CEE states, disappointed Kyiv, drew a rebuke from the European Commission and dented Poland’s image to be a leading “moral power” in Europe since its sterling response to Russia’s assault on Ukraine over a year ago.
Editor’s Pick: Poland’s Ban on Ukrainian Grain Casts Doubt on Support for EU Accession