Conclusions on the So-Called "Banderite" Law Have to Be Made Judging by Its Practical Implementation

February 13, 2018

Poland has recently adopted a bill "On Amendments to the Act on the Institute of National Remembrance — Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation and a Number of Other Acts". Due to its controversial provisions, it was criticised by Israel, USA and Ukraine.

Current relations with Poland are rather strained, ruling party's line of policy and position of the president cause concerns.

Poland-Ukraine conflict mostly benefits our northern neighbours, but it is too early to make any definitive conclusions. There is an aggravation, but we would like to believe that this is not the "red line" in our relations, but rather — a negative episode to be dealt with and move forward. Also, Poland has other forces that believe that the situation must be turned in a different direction.

First conclusions on the so-called "Banderite" law should be made judging by its practical implementation, i.e., based on the number of instances of Ukrainian citizens' detention, public processes. Poland itself recognises that over a million of Ukrainian employees are a driving force in Polish economy. Therefore, it is unlikely that Poland will be biting the hand that feeds it.


Mykhailo Pashkov

Co-Director, Foreign Relations and International Security Programmes


Born in 1958 in Roslavl, Smolensk oblast, Russia

Education:

Smolensk Institute of Pedagogy, Faculty of the Russian Language and Literature (1979)

Moscow Institute of Youth, Faculty of Journalism (1986)

Kyiv Institute of Political Science and Public Administration (1991)

Ph. D. in Philosophy; the author of more than 50 publications

1979 – 1989 — worked at different positions in district, regional and republican newspapers in Russia and Moldova

1991 – 1994 — worked in scientific institutions of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

1994 – 1998 — Diplomatic Service at the Embassy of Ukraine in the Russian Federation

Since December 1999 — Razumkov Centre's Leading Expert

Diplomatic Rank: First Secretary. Most recent position in state structures — Chief Consultant, Analytical Service of Ukraine's NSDC Staff

(044) 206-85-08

pashkov@razumkov.org.ua