Committed to Developing Strong Ties Between Kyiv and Warsaw

After a few tense weeks between Kyiv and Warsaw regarding common historical events from World War II, an exchange of letters on Ukrainian Independence Day put aside the differences for the benefit of both countries’ future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his Polish counterpart Karol Nawrocki on August 26 for his letter marking Ukraine's Independence Day. Zelenskyy expressed particular gratitude for Nawrocki's wish for Ukraine to prevail in the war. He added that Ukrainians will always remember Poland's support and its open hearts and doors since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to Ukrainian Pravda (Truth).

“We are committed to developing ties between our two strong nations – with respect and truthfulness toward the past, a clear-eyed approach toward present threats, and optimism for our shared future in the EU and NATO,” the Ukrainian president wrote.

Zelenskyy also publicized Nawrocki’s letter, in which the Polish president wished Ukraine success in restoring its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

In the letter, Nawrocki noted that Poland had been the first country in the world to recognize Ukraine’s independence, describing this as an expression of respect for the Ukrainian people's aspirations for freedom. He added that the decision had been an invitation to build good-neighborly relations in the region based on mutual respect.

“Although many bilateral issues have been resolved since then and others require more time and goodwill, the fact remains unchanged that we are and will remain neighbors,” Nawrocki said.

Nawrocki also said he hopes that Ukraine’s military personnel and civilians who demonstrate their love for their homeland every day of the war would find their deserved place in Ukrainian history, inspiring future generations and demonstrating the true meaning of patriotism and heroism.

Russian plan to instill dissonance between Ukraine and Poland goes down the drain.