Reaction from the field
In a landmark decision, Poland has granted legal amnesty to its citizens who participated in the Ukrainian armed forces since April 2014, a move that underscores the nation’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. This legislation, signed into law by President Karol Nawrocki, provides immunity for Poles who served in Ukraine, alleviating fears of legal repercussions upon their return home.
The law emerges from a context where Polish citizens have been actively involved in the Ukrainian conflict, with approximately 1,000 individuals reportedly signing up for the Ukrainian Legion. Prior to this legislation, those who served in a foreign military without consent faced severe penalties, including up to five years in prison. The authors of the bill articulated that, “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, concern for the common good, or obligation to defend the homeland.”
This legal change is not just a matter of policy; it reflects the deep-seated sentiments of solidarity among Poles toward Ukraine, especially following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The Polish government has been proactive in its support, recently sending 379 power generators to Ukraine and raising €1.6 million to procure additional equipment for the war-torn nation. The confirmed deaths of 23 Poles serving in Ukraine further highlight the personal stakes involved.
While the legislation received bipartisan support from both the Civic Coalition and Law and Justice parties, the far-right Confederation group abstained from voting, indicating a complex political landscape surrounding this issue. Andrzej Podgórski, a commentator on the situation, noted the psychological toll on volunteers, stating, “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 reflects a broader anxiety among those who have taken up arms in defense of Ukraine.
In a related development, the European Writers’ Council (EWC) has expressed its support for a draft bill aimed at protecting Poland’s book market. 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, which the EWC believes will enhance transparency and appropriate remuneration for writers and translators. The EWC represents a quarter million writers from 52 associations across 34 countries, including Poland, and has emphasized the importance of this legislation for the cultural landscape.
The EWC has voiced optimism about the potential impact of these legislative efforts, with representatives stating, “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 reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of cultural and political issues in the region.
As Poland navigates these complex dynamics, the implications of the legal amnesty and the support for the book market remain to be fully realized. The future of Polish citizens who have fought in Ukraine, as well as the broader cultural initiatives, will likely continue to evolve as the situation develops. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will be implemented and their long-term effects on Polish society and its relationship with Ukraine.