Reaction from the field
Poland has taken a significant step by granting legal amnesty to its citizens who joined the Ukrainian armed forces, a move that highlights the country’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. This legislation, signed into law by President Karol Nawrocki, provides immunity for Polish citizens who served in the Ukrainian military from April 2014 until the law’s enactment.
The law comes as a response to the increasing number of Polish volunteers who have joined the fight against Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It aims to alleviate the concerns of these individuals, who previously faced the risk of up to five years in prison for serving in a foreign military without consent. As noted by the authors of the bill, “in the existing international context, the participation of a Polish citizen in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression cannot be perceived as a violation of the constitutional obligations of loyalty to Poland.”
Since the onset of the conflict, approximately 1,000 Poles have signed up for the Ukrainian Legion, with 23 confirmed deaths among those serving. The Polish government has also been proactive in its support, recently sending 379 power generators to Ukraine and raising €1.6 million to purchase additional equipment. This support underscores Poland’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The legislation received bipartisan support from both the Civic Coalition and Law and Justice parties, reflecting a unified stance on this critical issue. However, the far-right Confederation group abstained from voting, indicating a divergence of opinion within the political landscape. Andrzej Podgórski, a commentator on the situation, remarked, “Many of these volunteers who are fighting for Ukraine, besides the daily challenges of just surviving from day to day, also have this worry about ‘what will happen when I return home.’” This sentiment captures the anxiety faced by those who have taken up arms in support of Ukraine.
In addition to military support, Poland is also focusing on cultural preservation. The European Writers’ Council (EWC) has expressed its support for a bill aimed at protecting Poland’s book market, which was announced by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in December 2025. The Act on the Protection of the Book Market seeks to establish a fixed book price system, ensuring transparency and appropriate remuneration for writers and translators in the sector.
The EWC, representing a quarter million writers from 52 associations and 34 countries, has voiced hope that ongoing consultations within the Ministries will lead to significant progress. As stated by the EWC, “The first important step has been taken, and we look with appreciation and hope at this deeply important message to the whole of Europe.” This initiative reflects Poland’s broader commitment to cultural integrity amidst the ongoing conflict.
As Poland continues to navigate its role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the implications of these legislative actions remain to be fully understood. While the legal amnesty for military participants marks a pivotal moment, the evolving situation in Ukraine and its impact on Polish citizens will require ongoing attention. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term effects of these policies on both the military and cultural fronts.
