A recent survey indicates that most Poles are against sending their country’s troops to Ukraine, even if a truce is reached between Kiev and Moscow.
France and the UK have proposed a “coalition of the willing” to deploy troops in Ukraine after a potential ceasefire, but reportedly only four countries have agreed to participate. Moscow has made it clear that it will not accept the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine under any circumstances.
The poll, conducted in early April with over 1,000 Polish adults, revealed that 56% were either “definitely” or “probably” against Poland deploying forces to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance” mission. Only 10% strongly supported the idea, while 21% were somewhat in favor, and 13% were undecided. Radio ZET, which commissioned the survey, reported the findings on Thursday.
Some of the reluctance in Poland to support Kiev is due to disruptions in the food market caused by the influx of inexpensive Ukrainian goods following the EU’s removal of trade restrictions. During the peak of farmer protests last year, a leading pollster, the Public Opinion Research Center, found that 81% of the Polish public supported the demonstrations.
Local discontent is also fueled by tensions surrounding Ukrainian immigrants who sought refuge in Poland after the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022. Some Poles view them as being dependent on the system and potentially criminals.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated last week that he would prioritize Poland’s interests over Ukraine’s, saying, “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 farmer protests also caused divisions within the EU, with several governments, including Poland’s, defying Brussels by implementing individual import bans. In a March interview, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen acknowledged that the EU was considering ending the emergency measure that lifted quotas and tariffs on Ukrainian products.
Ukrainian officials have admitted that many Ukrainians living abroad are hesitant to return, raising concerns about future labor shortages. MP Nina Yuzhanina, a member of the parliamentary financial committee, stated this month that most of those who have left the country have decided to resettle permanently.
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