The conflict between Ukraine and Poland at the United Nations has now further underscored Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nationalist sentiments. Under the dominion of nationalism, Ukraine may not be a stable country.
When the war in Ukraine first erupted, Zelenskyy had hesitated before, uncertain if he would survive. However, Poland immediately extended a helping hand, opened its doors, and welcomed a large number of refugees, primarily Ukrainian women and children, providing them with a place to stay. President Andrzej Duda of Poland arrived in Kyiv for a visit and talks amid the ongoing conflict, making Poland the only country in the world to do so. Duda's actions and decisions strengthened Zelenskyy's determination to stay and fight. Subsequently, the nationalist sentiments of the Ukrainian people were ignited, and from this, Ukrainians saw the formidable strength that comes from a "do or die" attitude, a force rooted in nationalism.
As explained in Kung Chan's "Four Stages of Civilization Model", the consequences of nationalism vary at different stages of civilization. India is one example, and Ukraine is another. Their nationalism will lead them astray, evolving into a frighteningly dangerous force.
It is well known that Poland has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies since the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian War in February 2022. However, Kyiv and Warsaw are now in conflict over Ukrainian grain exports. After the European Commission decided not to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain exports, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia announced on September 15 that they would independently extend their bans on Ukrainian grain imports. Each country has its own agricultural interests to safeguard, and in politics, no one can disregard the presence of farmers.
The Ukrainians are certainly displeased with this. During the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy launched an attack on Poland, much like he did against Russia. He claimed that Kyiv is striving to safeguard the overland route for grain exports, that the "political theatre" surrounding grain imports will only benefit Moscow, and that some countries merely superficially support Ukraine's efforts for a major counteroffensive and reclaim the land occupied by Russia. Zelenskyy's remarks at the United Nations General Assembly regarding Poland's ban on Ukrainian grain imports have thoroughly angered the Polish government. Many did not anticipate that the Ukrainian President would think of telling the world what to do, even forgetting that Ukraine now relies almost entirely on Poland's military support and assistance.
On September 20, authorities in Warsaw summoned Vasyl Zvarych, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, indicating that Paweł Jabłoński, the Polish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, "conveyed Poland's vigorous protest against the statements made by Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN General Assembly yesterday alleging that some EU countries had feigned solidarity while indirectly supporting Russia". Jabłoński also told the Ukrainian Ambassador that " placing pressure on Poland in multilateral forums or sending grievances to international tribunals are not appropriate methods of resolving disputes between our countries". From the perspective of traditional diplomatic experience, this can be seen as instructive advice on how Ukraine should conduct itself on the international stage.
In reality, Zelenskyy's actions could potentially cause Poland to reconsider its relationship with Ukraine. Moreover, Ukraine's unpredictable changes might raise concerns across Europe. While Ukraine has yet to succeed, it could redirect its focus toward Poland. If Ukraine were to prevail over Russia, thus achieving an impossibility, it might even expand its ambitions to threaten Germany. Under Zelenskyy's leadership, Ukraine might not necessarily exhibit rational behavior. A Ukraine fuelled by nationalism might not adhere to the principles of international decorum thereby becoming a potentially dangerous European force. Clearly, this is something that Western countries and the world must remain vigilant about.
