Bus Request Canceled
Vinnytsia Mayor Serhiy Morhunov has announced the withdrawal of a request for 15 buses from the Polish twin city of Kielce. The decision came after an escalation in political debate within Ukrainian-Polish relations. According to the mayor, the move aims to prevent any negative impact on the partnership between the two communities.
The buses in question were part of a group of 40 vehicles that Kielce is decommissioning due to age, technical condition, and mileage. As the mayor of the Polish city explained, Vinnytsia’s public transport system relies heavily on electric vehicles, and the donated buses could have been used during power outages.
Political Climate and Humanitarian Aid
Tensions between Ukraine and Poland escalated in late May 2026 after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy granted an honorary title to a Special Operations Forces unit, naming it after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This move drew sharp criticism from Warsaw due to historical assessments of the UPA’s activities and the events of the Volyn tragedy of 1943–1945.
Serhiy Morhunov emphasized the importance of support from the Polish people: 'We are sincerely grateful to the Polish people for their support of Ukraine. This is not just about our partner city of Kielce...'
Morhunov also thanked Europeans for their friendship and backing, stating: 'Thank you to all Europeans who remain with us. For their friendship, support, humanity, and partnership, which continues to be stronger than any political disputes.'
The withdrawal of the bus request reflects an effort to maintain good relations between Vinnytsia and Kielce amid a complex political situation. This decision also underscores the importance of humanitarian aid within the context of friendly community ties, despite political differences. Preserving the partnership between Ukrainian and Polish cities remains vital for both sides, especially given the ongoing war and the need for support from international partners.
The recent decision by Vinnytsia to withdraw the bus request highlights the ongoing challenges in Ukrainian-Polish relations. For a deeper understanding of the political controversies surrounding this issue, including the historical context that has influenced these diplomatic ties, read more in our detailed report on the cancellation of the bus request.