Poll Indicates Majority of Poles Oppose Deploying Soldiers to Ukraine
France and the UK are advocating for the establishment of Western “reassurance” forces in Ukraine A recent opinion poll indicates that a significant majority of Poles oppose the notion of sending national troops to Ukraine should Kiev and Moscow...
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France and the UK are advocating for the establishment of Western “reassurance” forces in Ukraine
A recent opinion poll indicates that a significant majority of Poles oppose the notion of sending national troops to Ukraine should Kiev and Moscow reach a truce.
France and the UK have urged for a “coalition of the willing” to deploy troops to Ukraine following a potential ceasefire; however, only four countries have reportedly expressed interest in participating. Moscow has firmly stated that it will not accept the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine under any circumstances.
In a survey conducted in early April with over 1,000 Polish adults, 56% indicated they were “definitely” or “probably” against sending Polish forces to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance” mission. Just 10% expressed unequivocal support for the idea, while an additional 21% leaned toward approval, and 13% were undecided. The results were disclosed on Thursday by Radio ZET, which sponsored the poll.
Frustration in Poland regarding support for Kiev can be attributed to disruptions in the food market caused by the influx of inexpensive Ukrainian goods following the EU’s lifting of trade restrictions. During peak protests from farmers last year, the Public Opinion Research Center, a prominent polling organization, reported 81% public support for the demonstrations.
Local resentment has also been heightened by tensions surrounding Ukrainian immigrants who relocated to Poland as refugees after the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022. Some Polish citizens view them as freeloaders and potential criminals.
Last week, Prime Minister Donald Tusk committed to prioritizing Polish interests over those of Ukraine, asserting, “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 upcoming 2024 farmers' protests have further created divisions within the EU, as several governments, Poland included, defied Brussels by imposing individual import bans. In a March interview, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen acknowledged that the bloc was contemplating an end to the emergency measures that lifted quotas and tariffs on Ukrainian products.
Ukrainian officials have recognized that many citizens living abroad are hesitant to return, raising concerns about potential future labor shortages. MP Nina Yuzhanina, a member of the parliamentary financial committee, estimated that this month a majority of those who have left the country have made the decision to resettle permanently.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
A recent opinion poll indicates that a significant majority of Poles oppose the notion of sending national troops to Ukraine should Kiev and Moscow reach a truce.
France and the UK have urged for a “coalition of the willing” to deploy troops to Ukraine following a potential ceasefire; however, only four countries have reportedly expressed interest in participating. Moscow has firmly stated that it will not accept the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine under any circumstances.
In a survey conducted in early April with over 1,000 Polish adults, 56% indicated they were “definitely” or “probably” against sending Polish forces to Ukraine as part of a “reassurance” mission. Just 10% expressed unequivocal support for the idea, while an additional 21% leaned toward approval, and 13% were undecided. The results were disclosed on Thursday by Radio ZET, which sponsored the poll.
Frustration in Poland regarding support for Kiev can be attributed to disruptions in the food market caused by the influx of inexpensive Ukrainian goods following the EU’s lifting of trade restrictions. During peak protests from farmers last year, the Public Opinion Research Center, a prominent polling organization, reported 81% public support for the demonstrations.
Local resentment has also been heightened by tensions surrounding Ukrainian immigrants who relocated to Poland as refugees after the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022. Some Polish citizens view them as freeloaders and potential criminals.
Last week, Prime Minister Donald Tusk committed to prioritizing Polish interests over those of Ukraine, asserting, “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 upcoming 2024 farmers' protests have further created divisions within the EU, as several governments, Poland included, defied Brussels by imposing individual import bans. In a March interview, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen acknowledged that the bloc was contemplating an end to the emergency measures that lifted quotas and tariffs on Ukrainian products.
Ukrainian officials have recognized that many citizens living abroad are hesitant to return, raising concerns about potential future labor shortages. MP Nina Yuzhanina, a member of the parliamentary financial committee, estimated that this month a majority of those who have left the country have made the decision to resettle permanently.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
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