Zelensky Hails First Nawrocki Meeting as Polish President Gives Volyn Books Amid Award Row
Updated
Updated · Букви · Jun 21
Zelensky Hails First Nawrocki Meeting as Polish President Gives Volyn Books Amid Award Row
3 articles · Updated · Букви · Jun 21
Summary
Zelensky called his first meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki an important moment in bilateral ties, even after Nawrocki handed him books on the Volyn tragedy during their handshake.
The Ukrainian leader said attempts by Kyrylo Budanov and Serhiy Kislytsya to defuse the dispute over Poland’s Order of the White Eagle failed because of the Polish side’s position.
Zelensky framed the current friction as part of Poland’s domestic political struggle, saying Nawrocki is trying to strengthen his camp against Prime Minister Donald Tusk ahead of a possible government reshuffle.
Kyiv has already answered the honors dispute by returning several Polish decorations, while its foreign ministry called Warsaw’s move a strategic mistake and urged equal dialogue.
Despite the clash over history and awards, Zelensky said Poland would remain a reliable partner and stressed Ukrainians’ gratitude for Polish support since Russia’s invasion.