Poland blames Ukraine for deepening crisis amid mediation calls

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4 days · 7 summary articles
Poland accused Ukraine on Tuesday of responsibility for the deterioration of bilateral relations, as Warsaw and Kyiv clashed over historical grievances and state honours, prompting Lithuania to offer mediation. Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the Chancellery of the President of Poland, stated that the current tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw stem from actions taken by the Ukrainian side rather than decisions by President Karol Nawrocki .
The dispute escalated after Poland’s government explained why Nawrocki was not invited to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, with a spokesman noting the decision reflected ongoing bilateral strains . Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed she would lead the delegation to the conference, after speculation that President Volodymyr Zelensky might attend . The Polish presidency criticised the absence of Zelensky, calling it a sign of Warsaw’s inability to manage the situation .
Lithuania stepped in to mediate, offering to help resolve the dispute that has centred on competing narratives of Second World War history and public exchanges of state honours . Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko urged both sides to halt the escalation, proposing a five-point plan to defuse the crisis .
Meanwhile, Russia accused the United States of abandoning its role as an objective mediator in the Ukraine war, claiming Washington was prioritising sanctions pressure over stalled peace talks . Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the U.S. appeared to be intensifying pressure rather than seeking impartial solutions .
Amid the diplomatic friction, Ukraine secured what it described as U.S. backing for a more assertive approach toward Russia, with reports indicating President Trump privately urged Zelensky to act “more boldly” and pursue a strategy of “peace through strength” . The U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN reiterated that time was running against Russia, which must conclude a peace agreement .
The crisis between Poland and Ukraine threatens to undermine a key anti-Russian alliance at a critical juncture in the war, as regional stability hangs in the balance.
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