Poland has denied President Vladimir Putin’s allegation that it seeks territory in western Ukraine, calling the claim disinformation and reiterating its respect for Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. The Polish Foreign Ministry emphasized Warsaw’s continued support for Ukraine since the 2022 invasion. Putin’s comments, which include a claim that the Dnipro divides Ukraine politically, come amid heightened tensions between Poland and Ukraine over historical disputes tied to World War II.
Poland Rejects Putin’s Claim It Seeks Territory in Western Ukraine
FILE PHOTO - Russia's President Vladimir Putin observes a nuclear exercise conducted by the Russian and Belarusian armed forces via video link from the Kremlin. (is associated with: «Poland denies Putin's claim of territorial claims in western Ukraine») -/Kremlin/dpa
Poland has flatly denied Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that Warsaw is asserting territorial claims over parts of western Ukraine, calling the allegation disinformation.
"Poland has not made any territorial claims against Ukraine, is not currently making any, and does not intend to do so in the future," the Polish Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, adding that Poland "fully recognizes the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its legally defined, internationally recognized borders."
What Warsaw Says
The ministry described Moscow’s insinuations about alleged plans to annex western Ukrainian territories as "a crude attempt at disinformation." Poland, a leading backer of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, emphasized its ongoing political and material support for Kyiv.
Putin’s Remarks And Context
Putin reiterated on Sunday in St. Petersburg his long-standing view that Ukraine is politically divided by the River Dnipro. According to the Kremlin, he said:
"Left-bank (eastern) Ukraine has always been regarded not only as pro-Russian, but as part of Russia."
Seen in this light, Putin’s comments suggest ambitions that extend beyond the eastern and southern regions Russia has already declared annexed. The remarks come amid rising tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv over a historical dispute related to World War II-era massacres of Polish civilians carried out by some Ukrainian nationalists.
Historical Background
Before World War II, significant portions of what is now western Ukraine—including the city of Lviv—were part of Poland. Additionally, parts of southern Ukraine near Odessa were once under Romanian administration, and the Transcarpathian region includes a sizable Hungarian minority. These historical borders are frequently invoked in regional narratives but do not change the present international legal status of Ukraine’s territory.
Bottom line: Poland officially rejects any territorial ambitions toward Ukraine and urges that Moscow’s claims be viewed as disinformation amid broader geopolitical tensions.
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