President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a state visit to Poland on Wednesday, April 5, and met with his counterpart President Andrzej Duda. The two leaders discussed the reinforcement of the Ukrainian army, the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia, support for Ukraine’s acquisition of membership in the European Union, and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The head of the Ukrainian state personally thanked the leader of Poland, First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the government team and the entire Polish people for the fraternity and true friendship they demonstrated during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“I want to thank you for the fact that you, our powerful neighbors, did not and do not allow us to break, for the fact that you help us. If Ukraine falls, we know that Russia will not stop there and will go further,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with media representatives following the negotiations with Andrzej Duda in Warsaw.
“We consider Poland not only a partner, but also a friend forever. I thank you, Andrzej, for the fact that we have built such a friendly relationship with you. Today we have really strong relations – not just pragmatic, but human relations. This is very important in historical and any other issues, which, I am sure, we will definitely resolve,” the Head of State said.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that Ukraine received the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union thanks to the help of many partners, but above all thanks to Poland, which demonstrated uncompromising support.
“I would like to tell all our partners, who are constantly looking for compromises on Ukraine’s path to NATO, that our country will be uncompromising on this issue as well. And I am grateful that Poland is with us on this path,” he added.
The Head of State also thanked for the powerful defense package that will strengthen Ukrainian defenders on the battlefield.
“Today we are here in Warsaw, and they are there, in the trenches of Bakhmut, Maryinka, Avdiivka. Our people are there, real warriors – men, women, absolutely strong people whom, unfortunately, we lose every day because of Russia,” he added.
The President also discussed Poland’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine with Andrzej Duda. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this will become another important page in bilateral relations.
“This will truly make our businesses and nations as close as possible. It is very important for us that Poland is one of the main partners in the reconstruction of Ukraine. It should not only help Ukraine, but also be profitable first of all, and we really want Polish business to come to us and become one of the leaders in our market among other partners,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.
For his part, Andrzej Duda emphasized that it is a great joy for him, on behalf of all Poles, to welcome President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska to Warsaw. He underlined that this is the first official foreign visit of the Ukrainian leader since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Polish leader noted that the focus of attention during this visit is on issues of defense cooperation. Andrzej Duda said that Poland is among Ukraine’s largest partners in military aid. His country handed over hundreds of tanks, Krab self-propelled artillery systems, and missiles to the Ukrainian army so that it would be able to contain the aggression of Russia, whose expansive plans extend to other European countries that gained independence after 1989.
“Ukraine was the first to resolutely stand up against it. We thank everyone who supports Ukraine, and we assure you that we will continue to support you,” the President of Poland said.
The parties also discussed a number of other important topics for both states.
“There are no taboo topics between us – we also discussed historical issues, which even today are sensitive for many families. I am convinced that together we will build consistent ties between our peoples based on the policy of honest memory,” Andrzej Duda said.
He also emphasized that Poland strongly supports Ukraine on the way to full membership in the EU and to receive additional security guarantees at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, which will strengthen the defense potential of Ukraine and strengthen Ukrainian soldiers in the fight against Russian invaders. He also spoke in favor of Ukraine eventually becoming a member of the Alliance.
