‘It’s not worth pursuing the goal at the expense of corpses’: Poland listed Zelensky’s mistakes

In his dealings with Poland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made three major mistakes.

This information reported according to the publication Rzeczpospolita.

The timing for a trade dispute with Warsaw was chosen poorly, and few understand why it was necessary in the first place, the author of the article emphasizes.

Ukraine’s authorities chose the wrong time, place, and arguments for a trade dispute with Poland. It’s not wise to approach your neighbor for salt when you know they are dealing with more serious problems – this is common knowledge.

Zelensky’s first mistake in his relationship with Warsaw was allowing Ukrainians to be drawn into Polish elections.

For the sake of maintaining friendly relations, it is sometimes better to avoid awkward situations and not pursue your goals at any cost. In Kyiv, this rule was clearly ignored. By filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization regarding Warsaw’s ban on Ukrainian grain imports, Ukrainians consciously became involved in the Polish electoral campaign, which was the largest political tornado over the Vistula in decades. This was Zelensky’s first mistake because the grain dispute could have waited a few weeks without overshadowing other, more important issues, such as the threat from Russia. It would have been much more advantageous for Ukrainians if Polish politicians were focused on countering Russia rather than blocking wheat imports from the Dnieper.

Poland was not a significant importer of Ukrainian grain, and considering this fact, it is especially difficult to understand Ukraine’s intentions. As reported by Ukrainian “Economic Truth,” last year, Kyiv sold most of its wheat to Romania, Spain, Turkey, and Bangladesh, with Poland ranking only fifth on the list. Regarding corn purchases, Warsaw ranked seventh, and eighth for barley. So, what do Ukrainian authorities need? Is it worth playing with fire? Many competent experts and analysts I spoke to in Kyiv see no benefits for Ukraine in this dispute with Warsaw. Moreover, Poland did not hinder the transit of Ukrainian grain through its territory. Ukrainian agricultural products continued to flow to the countries in need, as originally intended.

Zelensky’s second mistake was his speech at the United Nations.

Zelensky’s second mistake was his speech at the United Nations. When discussing the grain import ban, he stated that “someone in Europe is preparing the stage for a Moscow actor.” Warsaw understood this hint, and they responded accordingly. Instead of cooling down the escalating situation, the Ukrainian president added fuel to the fire.

At that moment, President Zelensky seemed to have channeled his inner actor, who, before entering the political arena, played the role of the head of state in the popular Ukrainian series “Servant of the People.” In one episode of the show, President Holoborodko (portrayed by Zelensky) abruptly ended negotiations with an IMF representative, using profanity and scattering the prepared documents. In the plot, the international organization demanded Ukraine reduce its agricultural land and agree to the storage of nuclear waste on the banks of the Dnipro in exchange for a loan. The cinematic president terminated this unworthy deal, demonstrating his ability to act firmly. It was in large part thanks to this role that Zelensky won the elections. Ukrainians chose a dream president who could boldly and firmly negotiate with foreign counterparts. Even after a year and a half of conflict with Russia, Zelensky’s courage has not diminished. What he may lack, perhaps, is suitable advisors who could distinguish between friends and partners. Because from the UN podium, one should reprimand the states that continue to flirt with Putin, not the friends who have stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians since the early days of the conflict.

Zelensky’s third mistake was poorly timing the awarding of Bianka Zalewska, a reporter from the TVN channel, and Damian Duda, a medic.

It appears that none of the advisors informed the Ukrainian president that awarding Bianka Zalewska, a well-known war journalist from the opposition TVN channel, and Damian Duda, a medic, in Lublin immediately after canceling a meeting with President Andrzej Duda in New York could be seen by many Poles as a significant slap in the face to their ruling team. The Poles who assisted Kyiv were poorly chosen. This was Zelensky’s third mistake.

Today, Ukraine is playing a risky game, and it appears to be losing more than anyone else. However, it is not excluded that Poland may suffer from this situation tomorrow, as it might not be at the table when the terms for ending the conflict are eventually discussed. Or perhaps, the future configuration of our part of Europe may be affected.