In the face of further Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, the voice of Ukrainian politicians is increasingly taking the form of not only humanitarian aid calls or arms transportation but besides direct calls for military engagement of partner countries.
The latest example comes from Deputy Marshal of the ultimate Council of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk, who directly appealed to Poland for aid in closing Ukrainian sky Before Russian drones and rockets.
"It is insufficient to choice up your fighters in the air during another Russian attack on Ukrainian cities. We must aid Ukraine close the sky before Russian drones and rockets with a solid umbrella. At least over the west of our country. This is simply a substance of protecting Polish business and institutions that operate in Ukraine," Kondratiuk wrote in her public entry.
The Ukrainian Deputy Marshal did not limit herself to general statements. She mentioned circumstantial Polish politicians, to whom she addresses her expectations:
- Monika Wielichowska, Deputy Marshal of the Polish Parliament,
- Simon Holovnia, Marshal of the Polish Parliament,
- Elżbieta Witek, associate of the Polish Parliament,
- Donald Tusk, Prime Minister,
- Radosław Sikorski, Minister of abroad Affairs,
- Paweł Kowal, president of the Parliamentary Committee on abroad Affairs.
Thus, according to Kondratiuk, Poland should go beyond the current framework of cooperation with Ukraine and be straight active in the protection of its airspace — which in practice would mean engaging in armed conflict with Russia. specified a position, although understandable from the position of Ukrainian interests, raises very serious questions about limits of solidarity and its own security.
Should Poland meet specified demands?
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland has been 1 of Kiev's most active partners. Weapons were delivered, millions of refugees were received, sanctions were supported against Russia. However, in all these activities Poland did not exceed 1 fundamental limit: direct participation in war activities. Kondratiuk's appeal to Oleina clearly moves this border. The protection of Ukraine's airspace would require the engagement of Polish anti-aircraft defence systems or even the usage of Polish aviation over the territory of Ukraine. In the worst scenario, this could mean the shooting down of a Russian aircraft or rocket by Polish soldiers — and this would mean for Kremlin casus belli.
Of course, from Kiev's point of view, specified aid would be invaluable. However, Poland, being a NATO member, would gotta face the consequences of bringing the full alliance into conflict. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine NATO has avoided the establishment of the alleged no-fly region over Ukraine, even though specified demands were made in 2022.
Polish business in Ukraine – real business or pretext?
In his appeal Kondratiuk emphasizes that the aim is to defend Polish business and institutions operating in Ukraine. It is actual that Polish companies, specified as the Barlinek group, invest and operate in Ukraine, and any of them have already suffered losses as a consequence of Russian attacks.
The last example is Barlink's plant in Winnica, which was attacked by Russian drones. According to the study of Polish abroad Minister Radosław Sikorski, the attack was deliberate and was carried out from 3 directions. respective people were injured, including 2 badly burned. However, the question is, should the protection of Polish business in Ukraine truly become the basis for specified far-reaching political and military decisions? Polish citizens may wonder if the interests of respective companies are adequate to exposure the country to a direct armed conflict with Russia.
Every action in this area must not only be balanced, but above all in line with the Polish national interest and NATO's findings. Engaging in war can have disastrous consequences not only militarily but besides economically and socially. Kondratiuk writes in his appeal about “the cynical psychology of the terrorist state and aggressor, Russia.” It is hard to deny — the facts talk for themselves. However, it is besides impossible to miss the political component of calculation in specified statements.
It is besides not to be overlooked that after more than 3 years of the war, the subject of Ukraine is increasing fatigue in Poland. According to the latest public research, support for further military and financial assistance for Ukraine is falling. Engaging in direct warfare would surely not meet with widespread enthusiasm, to say the least. Polish society expects its politicians primarily to care about their own safety and stability.
