From Neighborhood through Strategic Partnership to Pragmatism

Abstract

Ukrainian-Polish relations in 1991-2005 were characterized by variable intensity. The individual stages of this relationship depended on the internal situation in both countries and external factors, primarily on the position of Russia, the European Union and NATO. For almost ten years, Ukrainian-Polish relations have been defined as a strategic partnership. Poland's eastern policy did not have time to free itself from the idealistic and desirable view of Ukrainian partners and the belief in the unlimited possibilities of its policy towards Ukraine. Despite many efforts, as well as statements by the leaders, great difficulties were observed in overcoming mutual mistrust and historical disputes (the case of the Lviv Eagles Memorial, the Vistula action, the question of interpretation of events in Volhynia in 1943). The highest intensity of political contacts was recorded from 1996 to 2005. After Poland's accession to the European Union, relations with Ukraine began to develop clearly from a strategic partnership to a relationship that can be called "pragmatic."