The new Polish government, led by Donald Tusk, officially took office on Dec. 13, marking the end of the eight-year rule of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. Tusk, who previously served two consecutive terms until 2014, returned with a commitment to mend Warsaw's ties with the EU and ease tensions with Kyiv, strained by conflicts over a grain embargo and a border blockade. While Tusk's comeback is seen as a potential source of stability for Ukraine, the ongoing economic disputes between Kyiv and Warsaw are expected to persist.
Warsaw-based journalist Olena Babakova explained in an interview with NV Radio on Oct. 2 how Kyiv got caught in the turbulence of Polish electoral politics.
Volunteers are the backbone of relief efforts for Ukrainians, but they are let down by a government that – until two weeks ago – was set against refugees