---
title: "Merz in Gdansk: A Lecture on Reconciliation and the Defense of Freedom in the Absence of Zelenskyy"
description: "German Chancellor Friedrich Merz drew a parallel in Gdansk between post-war reconciliation with Poland and current support for Ukraine. 🇪🇺🇺🇦 The speech took place in the absence of President Zelenskyy due to a diplomatic conflict with Warsaw over the UPA. Merz stated that Europe stands by Ukraine to defend freedom. 🛡️"
date: 2026-06-25T12:28:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/merz-in-gdansk-a-lecture-on-reconciliation-and-the-defense-of-freedom-in-the-absence-of-zelenskyy
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Merz in Gdansk: A Lecture on Reconciliation and the Defense of Freedom in the Absence of Zelenskyy

![Friedrich Merz in glasses and blue suit listening to a speech at the Gdańsk forum discussing reconciliation and freedom protection](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/25/merc-v-gdanske-lekciya-o-primireni-i-zashchita-svobody-v-otsutstvii-zelenskogo/merc-v-gdanske-lekciya-o-primireni-i-zashchita-svobody-v-otsutstvii-zelenskogo-1.webp)

The large-scale Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine kicked off in Gdansk, Poland. The two-day event brought together up to 5,000 participants, ranging from heads of state to representatives of international financial institutions and major businesses. However, the forum's key event took place against a backdrop of complex diplomatic tension: the Ukrainian delegation was led by Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined to attend.

### Historical Context and Parallels

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the conference, used the historical significance of the venue to deliver an important political message. Addressing Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Merz reminded the attendees that it was in Gdansk, 87 years ago, that World War II began.

In his speech, the German leader emphasized the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good Neighbourliness between Germany and Poland, which was concluded 35 years ago. The Chancellor expressed deep gratitude to the Polish people for the opportunity to achieve peace and friendship, despite the gravest crimes committed by the German side between 1939 and 1945.

"Poles and Germans have proven that even after terrible crimes, peace, good neighbourliness, and friendship are possible," Merz stated, emphasizing that this experience is a landmark for bilateral relations.

### Reasons for Zelenskyy's Absence

The absence of the President of Ukraine at such a significant forum was a consequence of the deterioration of relations between Kyiv and Warsaw. The conflict flared up after Volodymyr Zelenskyy named one of the Ukrainian Armed Forces units "Heroes of the UPA." This decision sparked sharp criticism from Polish authorities, and Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle.

In turn, the Polish government called the Ukrainian leader's decision not to attend the conference a correct step. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk characterized this as a "gesture of de-escalation of tension," acknowledging that unnecessary emotional tension had recently arisen between the heads of state.

### Defense of Freedom as a Priority

Despite the diplomatic twists and turns, Friedrich Merz clearly outlined Europe's position. The Chancellor emphasized that support for Ukraine is dictated not only by security considerations or the economic well-being of the continent.

"We Europeans stand side by side to defend freedom in Europe. That is why we stand side by side with Ukraine," Merz declared, linking the current situation to the history of post-war reconciliation and the shared responsibility for the future of democratic values.