Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Warsaw on Friday, meeting Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the Presidential Palace to reaffirm the alliance between Kyiv and Warsaw and to discuss a range of security and historical matters.
A Warm Welcome in the Capital
Zelenskyy was received by Nawrocki in a ceremony that underscored the importance of the relationship between the two countries. The meeting took place in Warsaw’s Presidential Palace, a setting that has hosted many important diplomatic visits. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that relations with Poland remain stable, regardless of any future change in power in Warsaw.
Poland’s Support for Ukraine
Poland’s liberal government is a solid backer of Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has been one of the most visceral advocates of Kyiv in international fora. However, the presidential election results this year indicate that the previous nationalist Law and Justice party might return to power in 2027.
Nawrocki’s Stance on Gratitude and EU Membership
Nawrocki, who won elections with the backing of Law and Justice, has been playing hard to get. He has requested that Ukrainians demonstrate gratitude for Polish support since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. He also insisted that Kyiv should not be allowed to join the European Union unconditionally.
Positive Reception of the Visit
During a press conference on Friday, Nawrocki said he was happy with Zelenskyy’s visit. He added that the presence of the Ukrainian president in Warsaw was good news for Warsaw and Kyiv and bad news for Moscow.
Strategic Cooperation
Nawrocki stated, “In strategic matters, our strategic cooperation in the field of security issues, Poland, Ukraine, countries of the region, countries filled with democratic values are together and this has never been in doubt.” He highlighted the importance of joint security efforts.
Support for Frozen Russian Assets and Sanctions
Poland has backed efforts to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. It also supports further sanctions against Russia and action against its shadow fleet. These measures were reiterated by Nawrocki during the press conference.
Ukraine’s Offer to Share Drone Defense Expertise
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to share its expertise on drone defense. He welcomed Polish businesses to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction, stressing the value of cross-border cooperation.
Gratitude for Polish Support and EU Loan
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for Poland’s support, including backing a massive interest-free loan from the European Union to Ukraine. The loan is part of a larger package aimed at meeting Kyiv’s military and economic needs.
EU Agreement on 90 Billion Euros
European leaders had agreed earlier on Friday to provide 90 billion euros ($106 billion) to meet Kyiv’s military and economic needs for the next two years. The agreement was a significant boost to Ukraine’s war-time resilience.
Use of Funds If the War Continues
Zelenskyy said, “If Russia drags out this war – and that is exactly the signal the entire world hears from Moscow, as they continue to threaten us – we will use these funds for defense, if the war continues.” He emphasized the conditional nature of the funds.
Use of Funds for Reconstruction if Peace Is Achieved
He added, “If the world compels Russia to make peace, we will use these funds exclusively for the reconstruction of our country.” The statement highlighted Ukraine’s commitment to rebuilding after the conflict.
Oreshnik Missile System in Belarus
Zelenskyy also commented on news that Russia had deployed its latest nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system to Belarus. He said, “This poses a threat to many European countries, including Poland, Germany, and others,” underscoring the regional security implications.
Information Sharing with the West
Ukraine has shared information about the Oreshnik with Western countries. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine urged its allies to impose sanctions on companies that produce components used in the Oreshnik system, but he said no results have been seen yet.
Historical Wounds: Volhynia Exhumation
The two presidents struck a conciliatory tone on the exhumation of Polish victims in the Ukrainian region of Volhynia. During World War II, Polish-Ukrainian relations in Nazi-occupied Volhynia and Eastern Galicia were marked by violent interethnic conflict.
Interethnic Conflict and Civilian Casualties
Armed formations on both sides, including the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and Polish underground forces, were involved in attacks and reprisals that led to large-scale civilian casualties among both Poles and Ukrainians. Polish authorities estimate tens of thousands of Poles were murdered.
January Agreement and Breakthrough
In January, Poland and Ukraine reached an agreement under which Ukraine will allow the exhumation of some Polish victims. The agreement was considered a major breakthrough in the long-standing tension between the two countries.
Exhumations in Puzhnyky and Lviv-Zboiska
Exhumations have already taken place this year in the village of Puzhnyky in Ukraine’s western Ternopil region, uncovering the remains of at least 42 people believed to be victims of the Volhynia massacres, and at Lviv-Zboiska. Further permissions were granted by both sides for exhumations at other locations.
Nawrocki’s Request for More Concessions
Nawrocki asked for more concessions from Ukraine. Representatives of Ukrainian and Polish institutions dealing with historical memory met on Friday alongside the presidents.
Mutual Commitment to Historical Respect
Zelenskyy said, “The Ukrainian side is ready to meet Polish expectations to accelerate work on this matter.” He added, “We respect the Polish perspective on the history of our nations. We honor your memory of what happened and expect the same respect for our Ukrainian memory.”
A Shared Future
The meeting reinforced the notion that despite past grievances, Poland and Ukraine remain committed to a shared future of cooperation, security, and historical reconciliation. The dialogue set a constructive tone for ongoing partnership between the two nations.
Closing Remarks
As the presidents departed, the sense of unity between Warsaw and Kyiv was evident. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues, from military aid to historical healing, illustrating the depth of the bilateral relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Zelenskyy’s visit reinforced Ukraine-Poland ties and highlighted EU financial support.
- The discussion on the Oreshnik missile system underscored regional security concerns.
- Agreements on Volhynia exhumations marked progress in historical reconciliation.
The meeting in Warsaw underscored the enduring alliance between Ukraine and Poland, while addressing both contemporary security challenges and lingering historical wounds.
