Invitation Extended to Poland's Leader for Kyiv Trip
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has received an invitation from Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Kyiv, but no such trip is planned for 2026. Nawrocki stated that a possible visit to Ukraine is not being considered before 2027. This announcement followed a meeting of leaders at the Bucharest Nine summit in Romania, where various security policy issues were discussed. The Bucharest Nine, or B9, is a group of nine NATO Eastern Flank countries formed in 2015 to coordinate defense and security strategies.
The next opportunity for a meeting between the Polish and Ukrainian presidents is scheduled for June in Gdańsk. That city will host the International Conference on the Recovery of Ukraine, expected to draw around one hundred delegations, roughly forty of which will be represented at the government level. Nawrocki underscored the importance of continued support for Ukraine, stating,
“Support for Ukraine will continue”— Karol Nawrocki.
Political Background
Karol Nawrocki is a right-wing politician and a euroskeptic. He recently vetoed a bill concerning a defense loan under the SAFE program, sparking debate in political circles. The Bucharest Nine (B9) includes:
- Poland
- Romania
- Czechia
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Bulgaria
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Estonia
This alliance was established in 2015 to coordinate security policies among the nine nations on NATO's eastern flank.
It is worth noting that in October 2025, Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, announced an upcoming visit by Nawrocki, and in December of that year, the Polish president visited the Rzeszów-Jasionka logistics hub. Thus, despite the invitation to Kyiv, Nawrocki's visit remains uncertain and may only take place in 2027.
This situation highlights the complexity of relations between Poland and Ukraine, especially amid the security challenges facing both countries. The upcoming event in Gdańsk will provide an opportunity for closer cooperation and discussions on strategic issues concerning Ukraine's recovery and regional security. The importance of Polish support for Ukraine remains a key agenda item, which could shape the future of bilateral ties.
As the situation evolves, it is essential to recognize the ongoing commitment of Poland to support Ukraine amidst these uncertainties. For a deeper understanding of the Polish President's stance and the implications for bilateral relations, read more about the continuing support for Ukraine from Polish leadership.