The President of Lithuania may act as a mediator between Ukraine and Poland

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has stated that he is prepared, if necessary, to act as a mediator in resolving the differences between Ukraine and Poland. He made this statement in an interview with LNK News, noting that the parties had not yet approached him with such a request.

Kyiv and Warsaw are attempting to resolve the dispute themselves

According to Nausėda, at present Ukraine and Poland prefer to discuss contentious issues directly, without the involvement of third parties. However, should both capitals conclude that mediation is necessary, Lithuania is ready to become involved in the process. The President emphasised that he considers himself a suitable candidate for such a role thanks to his “good relations with both sides”.

Historical disputes remain a sensitive issue

One of the key sources of tension between Kyiv and Warsaw remains the differing assessments of the role played by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). In Ukraine, they are regarded as fighters for independence, whilst in Poland they are accused of crimes against the Polish population.

Nauseda noted that Ukraine is keen to maintain constructive relations with Poland, particularly in the context of European integration, where the support of all EU countries is a key factor.

Possible talks on the sidelines of the summit

The President of Lithuania said that in the coming days he would have the opportunity to discuss the situation informally with the Polish side. He plans to visit northern Poland alongside other leaders and hopes to hear President Karol Nawrocki’s position.

“I will be able to understand how this conflict arose and what can be done to normalise the situation,” he noted.

The political background to the conflict

Tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw escalated following Polish President Nawrocki’s decision to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. In response, the Ukrainian side returned the award.

The dispute over historical memory and political decisions has already had an impact on domestic politics in Poland, where, according to polls, the president’s approval rating has reached 54.8 per cent.