A Reply to Warsaw's Independence Day Message
The two neighboring countries have stood together in the face of Russian aggression, but their shared past has also caused friction. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has answered a congratulation sent by Polish President Karol Nawrocki for Ukraine's Independence Day, thanking Poland for its support and for its wishes that Ukraine win the war. In his response, Zelensky said the relationship between the two states must grow from mutual respect, an honest approach to history, and a clear understanding of today's threats. He also noted that Ukrainians still remember how Poland stood by them from the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Strains Between Kyiv and Warsaw
Nawrocki's letter was read out by Marcin Przydacz, the head of the Polish president's Bureau of International Policy. In the letter, Nawrocki expressed hope that Ukraine would recover its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and pointed out that Poland was the first country in the world to recognize Ukraine's independence. He also referred to difficult questions that remain in bilateral relations. Przydacz said Polish authorities intend to steadily lower the level of tension between the two countries.
Zelensky posted his reply to Nawrocki on the social network X. The Polish president's greeting had not been listed among the messages from world leaders released earlier. The day before, Zelensky had also shared an Independence Day message from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The relationship took a serious hit after Nawrocki stripped Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle on June 19. The move followed a decision to give a Ukrainian Armed Forces unit the honorary title 'Heroes of the UPA', which Poland sees as paying tribute to people linked to crimes against the Polish population. Zelensky mailed the order back to the Polish president and made clear that Ukraine would not contest the decision.
"The future will confirm respect for Ukrainians." — Marcin Przydacz
Representatives of Polish and Ukrainian foundations, civil society organizations and volunteer initiatives have urged both governments to work toward dialogue. Zelensky said he hopes the two countries can deepen their cooperation. "We want to develop the relations between our two strong nations," he said, "on the basis of respect and honesty toward the past, a sober view of today's dangers, and optimism about our joint future in the EU and NATO."
With both Ukraine and Poland facing their own significant challenges, maintaining a working dialogue has become more important than ever. Although differences remain, officials on both sides say they are ready to find common ground and to keep strengthening the relationship. Deeper cooperation between the two capitals could become a major source of stability for the region and a support for democratic values across Europe.