European security impossible without an integrated Ukraine, Polish expert says

He made the comments during a panel discussion titled ‘Why Poland Needs Ukraine and Ukraine Needs Poland’ at the Re:Open Zakarpattia 2026 forum.

For Ukraine to successfully serve as a security guarantor for Europe, it must be economically successful and politically integrated, Bendyk said. At the same time, he specified that this does not mean Ukraine should be given special treatment.

But security should be the top priority, he said, adding that economic disputes, including those over grain, must be resolved.

Bendyk recalled that in 1991, Poland’s political elites decided to support Ukraine’s independence despite public opposition. He called for a similar effort to establish a list of priorities today.

According to Bendyk, France has radically changed its strategic assessment of Russia and no longer has doubts that Russia will pose a threat in the future.

Bendyk acknowledged that Poland had long viewed the United States as an unwavering pillar of its security but has now found that this is no longer the case. As recently as last year, he said, Poland was convinced that its security system should rely on NATO and the United States.

Now, he said, there is a belief that Poland, Ukraine, and the EU can form a strong enough alliance to stand up to Russia.

Bendyk said people should not listen to either Russian or U.S. propaganda about a “weak Europe.” Europe is technologically and militarily strong; “it just does not know it yet,” he said.

He also stressed that Poland’s strategic support and military aid for Ukraine remain unchanged and that no political or historical disputes will alter them.