During a visit to Poland, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is always grateful to the Poles for their help and urged avoiding hostility between the two countries. He said this on December 19 in a joint interview with Polish media – TVP, PAP, and Polish Radio. According to the president, he had a long discussion on the matter with the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki – and both sides sought mutual understanding.
Zelensky noted that the meeting was an opportunity to emphasize Poland’s support and strengthen mutual understanding between the countries. He stressed the importance of backing partnership and joint efforts in ensuring the region’s security.
“This is our first meeting, and I believe that after overcoming a certain distance, we can achieve stronger relations as politicians and as the leaders of our countries. I would very much like what we have built not to be destroyed under any circumstances”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
Zelensky underscored that Ukraine has always shown gratitude to Poland and now it is necessary to do everything possible to prevent hostility between the two countries.
“If we are not careful, we could destroy this alliance, which has very important significance for Ukraine’s preservation and is very important for Poland’s security. Russia is very keen for the Polish-Ukrainian alliance to be destroyed”
– Volodymyr Zelensky
Regarding exhumations in Volynia, Zelensky noted that Ukraine will not block these processes. He also announced a meeting of the heads of the Institutes of National Memory of both countries in Warsaw.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the EU’s decision to provide financial support to Ukraine for the next two years amounting to 90 billion euros and noted that this sum is linked to Russia’s assets, since Ukraine will repay the loan in the event of reparations payments from Russia.
What is known about Zelensky’s visit to Poland. On the evening of December 18, Zelensky arrived in Poland on an official visit. On December 19, around 11:00, he arrived at the presidential palace in Warsaw for the first official meeting with the head of state of Poland, Karol Nawrocki. Official data indicate that the meeting lasted longer than planned.
“good news” for Warsaw and Kyiv, and also a “bad signal” for Moscow
– Karol Nawrocki
Nawrocki noted that among Poland’s population there is a belief that the multifaceted help to Ukraine after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion has not received due recognition. Zelensky also met with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, discussing Ukraine’s support from Poland and the results of the visit to Warsaw.
Chronicle of the Visit and Main Conclusions
In the evening of December 18, Zelensky arrived in Poland on an official visit. On December 19, around 11:00, he met with President Karol Nawrocki in Warsaw; the meeting lasted longer than planned. Nawrocki stressed that the visit is a good signal for Warsaw and Kyiv, but at the same time a sensitive signal for Moscow. The President of Ukraine proposed to Polish partners Ukrainian experience in countering Russian drones.
After this, Zelensky held a meeting with Donald Tusk, discussing further support from Poland and the outcomes of the trip to the Polish capital. The visit demonstrated mutual interest in strengthening cooperation and stability in the region.
Zelensky in Poland: cannot allow the destruction of the Ukrainian-Polish alliance