Declaration of Support in Kyiv and Controversy Over European Nuclear Deterrence

The visit of Deputy Marshal of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty to Kyiv became the foundation for a new political declaration, in which Poland solemnly committed to supporting Ukraine's European aspirations. Ukraine's accession to the community was described as crucial for regional security, which Czarzasty summarized by stating the inseparability of both nations' freedom. Simultaneously in Warsaw, Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the concept of creating a European nuclear capability, which would serve as a counterbalance to Russian threats. The head of government emphasized, however, that these matters require the highest degree of confidentiality to avoid weakening NATO cohesion and not provoke unnecessary tensions within the European Union. Since the 1990s, Poland has consistently built its position as the leader of the Alliance's eastern flank, promoting an 'open door' policy for neighbors from Eastern Europe, which has its roots in the Promethean concept and the Giedroyc-Mieroszewski doctrine. The diplomatic atmosphere was significantly worsened by statements from the leader of the German Christian Democrats, Friedrich Merz, who, analyzing Russia's current aggression, used phrasing interpreted in Poland as relativizing the crimes of World War II. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski criticized the German politician's lack of historical sensitivity, reminding that World War II began in 1939 with an attack on Poland. Although the German side attempted to calm the mood, explaining that Merz was speaking from the perspective of Ukraine's contemporary tragedy, Polish commentators deemed this an unacceptable oversimplification. In the background of these disputes, UNHCR published alarming data: the number of refugees from Ukraine has reached 5.9 million people, with Poland remaining one of the main countries providing real shelter and social support. 5,9 mln — refugees from Ukraine registered by UN agencies An additional element of tension on the Warsaw-Budapest line remains the criticism of Hungary's veto against further aid packages. Sikorski openly spoke of 'widespread dissatisfaction' in Brussels with the stance of Viktor Orbán's government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tusk, while in the Podkarpacie region, thanked local communities for their perseverance in helping Ukraine, emphasizing that the stability of Poland's border is today a security guarantee for the entire continent, which cannot afford to grow weary of the war at its doorstep.