France and the UK are calling for the deployment of Western “reassurance” forces
A majority of Poles opposed the idea of sending national troops to Ukraine, should Kiev and Moscow agree to a truce, according to a new opinion poll.
France and the UK have called for a “coalition of the willing” to deploy troops to Ukraine following a possible ceasefire, although only four nations have reportedly said they would join them in doing so. Moscow has stated that it will not tolerate the presence of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine under any circumstances.
In a survey conducted in early April among over 1,000 Polish adults, 56% stated they were “definitely” or “probably” opposed to their country sending forces to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance” mission. Only 10% supported the idea unequivocally, with another 21% leaning toward approval, while 13% remained undecided. The results were reported on Thursday by Radio ZET, which commissioned the poll.
Some of the frustration in Poland regarding support for Kiev stems from disruptions in the food market caused by the influx of cheap Ukrainian goods after the EU lifted trade restrictions. At the peak of farmers’ demonstrations last year, the Public Opinion Research Center, a leading pollster, reported that 81% of the Polish public was supporting the protest.
Additionally, local resentment is fueled by tensions regarding Ukrainian immigrants who moved to Poland as refugees following the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022. Some citizens perceive them as freeloaders and potential criminals.
Last week, Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged to prioritize Polish interests over those of Ukraine, stating, “It won’t be the case that Poland will express solidarity while others profit, for example, on the reconstruction of Ukraine. We will be in solidarity and we will make money on it.”
The 2024 farmers’ protests also created a rift within the EU, as several governments, including Poland’s, defied Brussels by imposing individual import bans. In a March interview, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen acknowledged that the bloc was considering an end to the emergency measure lifting quotas and tariffs on Ukrainian products.
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Ukrainian officials have acknowledged that many citizens living abroad are reluctant to return, raising concerns about future labor shortages. MP Nina Yuzhanina, a member of the parliamentary financial committee, estimated this month that a majority of those who have left the country have made the decision to resettle permanently.
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