Georgiy Tikhyy, the press secretary of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during a briefing on September 8, 2026, that the most tense period in Ukrainian-Polish relations, linked to a series of attacks on Ukrainian citizens on Polish territory, is already behind us. According to him, Kyiv is registering a gradual de-escalation and a transition of bilateral relations into a “healing” phase following the crisis stage.
Chronology of the Escalation and Diplomatic Response
Tikhyy recalled that the issue of attacks on Ukrainians in Poland had already been raised at the end of the previous year and at the beginning of the current one. In particular, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha, during talks with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Sikorski, asked that adequate response be ensured to such cases. According to Kyiv’s assessment, throughout this period Polish law enforcement agencies acted “in a proper manner,” for which the Ukrainian side expresses its gratitude. At the same time, Tikhyy emphasized a dual picture: on the one hand, the number of incidents is growing, which causes serious concern; on the other hand, the Polish police response in each specific case remains correct and adequate.
The Political Dimension and the Call to Address the Root of the Problem
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson directly pointed to the political undercurrent behind most of the incidents. “We are very sorry that a number of politicians in Poland do not realize that their rhetoric, their statements, their words have a very direct impact on the immediate physical aggression against people,” Tikhyy stated. According to him, Ukraine considers it ineffective to work exclusively with individual citizens who commit attacks, and it is called upon to act on the cause: “Some Polish politicians choose anti-Ukrainian rhetoric as a driver of their electoral process.” It is precisely with this political dimension, in Kyiv’s view, that a systematic fight must be waged.
Systemic Mechanisms for Protecting Citizens and Consular Work
Ukraine, according to Tikhyy, is implementing systemic measures to protect its citizens in Poland. The Embassy of Ukraine and consular offices regularly interact with Polish law enforcement and all competent bodies in each case of aggression. “Not a single such case is left without a response,” the spokesperson emphasized. He also appealed to Ukrainian citizens in Poland, urging them to be sure to contact consuls and Polish law enforcement agencies in the event of any manifestations of aggression against them.
Prospects for Normalization and the Security Context
Concluding his remarks, Tikhyy expressed confidence that both countries are interested in reducing the “excessive tension, which is certainly not needed by anyone except those sitting in Moscow.” He noted that the current dynamics allow for a transition to the phase of restoring relations. As additional context, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson mentioned that Ukraine is preparing to move to the practical stage of establishing a special tribunal on the aggression of the Russian Federation, and that personnel changes should not halt this work. He also emphasized that Kyiv does not intend to interfere in the internal political processes of other countries and will work with the political forces chosen by the citizens.
