The latest public opinion survey paints a clear picture of public sentiment surrounding the dispute between Warsaw and Kyiv. Respondents indicated which side, in their view, bears greater responsibility for the deterioration of relations between Poland and Ukraine.
Who is to blame?
Respondents were asked who, in their opinion, is more responsible for the worsening of Polish-Ukrainian relations in connection with the conflict over the Order of the White Eagle.
A total of 56 percent of respondents pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, 20 percent said that responsibility lies equally with both leaders. A different view was expressed by 19.7 percent of respondents, who attributed greater blame to President Karol Nawrocki. The answer “I don’t know” was chosen by 4.3 percent of those surveyed.
The results differ markedly depending on respondents’ declared political sympathies.
Among voters of the parties currently forming the governing majority, the most common view was that Karol Nawrocki bears greater responsibility for the crisis. This answer was given by 44 percent of respondents in this group. Another 38 percent said both sides bear similar responsibility, while 18 percent pointed solely to Volodymyr Zelensky.
The situation is reversed among opposition supporters. In this group, as many as 88 percent of respondents blame the Ukrainian president. Only 4 percent believe both leaders are at fault, while 3 percent point to Karol Nawrocki.
Even more clear-cut responses were recorded among supporters of Confederation and the Crown. In this group, 92 percent of respondents said Volodymyr Zelensky is responsible for the tensions, while none of the respondents pointed to the Polish president.
Dispute over the Order of the White Eagle
The current crisis in Polish-Ukrainian relations erupted after the Ukrainian authorities decided to honour a formation invoking the traditions of the UPA. In response, President Karol Nawrocki announced that Volodymyr Zelensky would be stripped of the Order of the White Eagle. The Ukrainian leader sent the decoration back to Poland.
In recent days, signals have been coming from Kyiv indicating readiness for talks and to ease tensions. Nevertheless, the results of the latest survey show that, in the view of most Poles, the Ukrainian side bears greater responsibility for the current crisis.
The United Surveys poll was conducted on behalf of Wirtualna Polska.