RIG SAKHAPRESS.RU IN Kiev are afraid that soon will be surrounded by countries friendly to Russia.
In the near future, Poland could become the Pro-Russian government, hostile towards Ukraine. Such a “forecast” at a round table in Kiev voiced by Ukrainian propagandist and columnist for Radio Liberty Vitaly Portnikov. In his opinion, the first step to “Russophile turn” of Poland was made by the Polish Senate, recommending the Sejm to recognize the Volyn massacre of poles by the genocide by the Ukrainian nationalists, according to “Free press” .
While Kiev advocate described the situation as “historical trend”, noting that no one has previously thought that Hungary and Slovakia will turn to Russia. But now, he says, as a result of political forces, “which are the real support of the Kremlin” also takes place in the direction of Russia.
“Even the Polish right-wing politicians do not realize that Poland Jaroslaw Kaczynski turn to Poland Viktor Orban, and that is not in Europe a more cooperative, kind, important for the Russian Federation neighbor than Poland”, — quotes Portnikov “Politnavigator”. According to Ukrainian political scientist, Ukraine must use “the window of opportunity which still remains open, as we as a state are going fast enough surrounded by countries associated with Russia, all sides — Poland, Belarus, Hungary, Slovakia.
According to Portnikov, the historic Polish-Russian resentment will remain in the past.
Of course, reasoning, shall we say, somewhat strained. However, you can remember the disappointment experienced by the Polish establishment, when NATO actually withdrew from the events of the Crimean spring. Thus, in the eyes of the poles, Russia has shown itself as a force with which the North Atlantic Alliance to be reckoned with. The countries of Eastern Europe, as protectiona to say, I like to lean against a strong state. So, is it possible to “Russophile turn” in Poland, which says Portnikov?
— The recognition of the genocide of poles by Bandera this is mainly an internal affair of Poland, says the political scientist, member of the Presidium of the presidential Council of the Russian Federation for interethnic relations Bogdan Bezpalko.
— A special sympathy for Russia here does not smell. The poles went to it a few decades. Even in Soviet times was ignored many historical facts in order not to undermine the “friendship of peoples”. In addition to the Volyn massacre there were many such incidents. For example, the Hungarian army fought on the side of the Wehrmacht, near Voronezh and destroyed, almost not taking prisoners, because the Hungarians were particularly brutal against the civilian population of the occupied territories of the USSR. In post-Soviet Poland in the political elite about the Volyn massacre there were disputes, Yes, they are, in fact, continue. Part of the Polish elite believes that the fact of the genocide of poles can not hush up the other, mainly Pro-Western, said that to aggravate relations is not necessary, as both Ukraine and Belarus should remain in the area of political, cultural and economic influence of Poland. And if not for the glorification of Bandera in Ukraine, maybe Poland and still held the line in silence.
“SP”: — However, in Soviet times, somehow managed to push Russian-Polish historical grievances on the second and third plan. Something like that possible today?
— Russophile sentiments for Poland uncharacteristic. For example, the destruction of monuments to Soviet soldiers not accidentally happened many times in Poland. And in neighboring Slovakia, was nothing like this. Monuments to Soviet soldiers-liberators there always treated with care.
But there were times when the interests of Poland and Russia match. You may recall the Northern War with Sweden, when Russia and Poland for some time included in a coalition. Today our interests coincide in a negative attitude towards Ukrainian nationalism. This causes a sharp reaction on the part of Ukrainian politicians. I think, for greater understanding between Russians and poles should make closer communication between historians of the two countries translate from Polish to Russian and Vice versa some historical research.
It should probably poles to recall the words of Roman Dmowski, who spoke some Polish politicians who hate Russia more than they love Poland. Today in Poland there are people who think “complex Russophobia” disastrous for Poland. They remind the poles that it is thanks to Russia Poland is now an independent state, but still has vast territories that had formerly been German. That 600 thousand Soviet soldiers, most of whom were Russian, killed, freeing Poland. But such people, unfortunately, are considered marginal in Polish society.
“SP”: — However, the poles for purely practical reasons, probably all more interested in friendship with Russia. Characteristically, the period of reunification of the Crimea the poles, including the President, have expressed confusion and dissatisfaction with the inaction of NATO, which until then seemed to them all-powerful.
— Yes, there is some point of sobering up. Until now, the Alliance fought with opponents that were immeasurably weaker than him in the military-technical respect. The most striking example of Yugoslavia, which collapsed the power of the NATO machine. Of course, the small Republic could not long withstand such a struggle. From someone it might seem that the Alliance is powerful. But it really is the poles are convinced that Russia is not as weak as it seemed, and NATO is in no hurry to fight for the countries and regimes who turn to him for support and they swear eternal love and devotion. And in a practical sense, thanks to the introduction of Russian counter-sanctions, the poles made sure of that with our country it is better to maintain a normal relationship. Because otherwise, for the policy paying the economy.
Polish manufacturers suffer serious losses because of the ban of exports to Russia of its milk and apples. Poles understand that with a strong Russia it is necessary to negotiate. And Russia just shows that she is strong enough to defend their interests. Of course, this does not mean that in the foreseeable future, Poland will want to “lean” to Russia, as now the United States. But the relationship with us to build on the basis of pragmatism, not of pathological Russophobia, which is still subject to some Polish politicians, like the current Minister of defense. Let’s hope that common sense in the Polish society will prevail. Although this requires some correction of the historical memory, which the poles now are vaccinated through mass media and school history courses.
