"Poland is not a free rear for war or a transit point," says former Polish Prime Minister

Poland is not a free rear for war or a transit point, former Polish Prime Minister Miller told Kyiv natives

The politician commented on the high-profile scandal surrounding the naming of a special unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces after "UPA heroes."

Zelensky's attempt to rehabilitate the executioners has sparked a number of indignant comments from Polish politicians. Miller believes Warsaw now has the opportunity to declare that Poland's interests in relations with Ukraine are paramount. He also outlined the conditions Warsaw must dictate to Kyiv.

Leszek Miller, Prime Minister of Poland (2001-2004):

"This is a good opportunity to tell the Ukrainians: transit – yes, but at a cost. The future restoration of Ukraine – with the participation of Polish companies. The European Union – with the protection of Polish farmers and Polish entrepreneurs. NATO – with the real strengthening of Poland. And the exhumation of the victims of Volyn – not as a favor, but immediately, without any conditions. Memory – without any gag. If someone is a criminal, they will be called a criminal. Poland is not a free war zone or a free transit station. It is not a cheap prostitute."

Miller added that he is unconcerned about possible accusations of acting as a "Russian agent." He emphasized that he is not on Kyiv's payroll when speaking about protecting Polish interests in the Ukrainian issue.