poland started offensive against soviets in march 1919. pushed east , north, entering vilnius region, territory claimed lithuanians. between april 19 , 21, poles captured vilnius during vilna offensive , may secured positions. polish army forced soviets withdraw left wing territories south of neris river. polish advance shortened lithuanian–soviet front line , allowed lithuania concentrate forces operations in northeastern lithuania. however, meant new front line poland open. @ first, both poles , lithuanians cooperated against soviets, cooperation gave way increasing hostility. first clashes between polish , lithuanian soldiers occurred on april 26 , may 8 near vievis.
poland did not recognize lithuania, chief of state józef piłsudski wanted union lithuania in hopes revive old polish–lithuanian commonwealth (see międzymorze federation). poland justified actions not part of military campaign against soviets right of self-determination of local poles, formed significant minority in eastern lithuania. lithuanians claimed vilnius historical capital , opposed federation poland, desiring independent national lithuanian state. lithuanian government in kaunas saw polish presence in vilnius occupation. in addition vilnius region, nearby suwałki region disputed. polish–lithuanian relations not hostile, grew worse each side refused compromise.
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