---
title: "Tusk calls Zelenskyy's absence from Gdansk conference a de-escalation gesture: how the meeting format will change"
description: "Tusk calls Zelenskyy's absence from the Gdansk conference a de-escalation gesture. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. 🇺🇦🇵🇱 #Ukraine #Poland #Conference"
date: 2026-06-23T21:52:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/tusk-calls-zelenskyy-absence-from-gdansk-conference-de-escalation-gesture
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Tusk calls Zelenskyy's absence from Gdansk conference a de-escalation gesture: how the meeting format will change

![Donald Tusk at a press conference in Gdansk, commenting on Zelensky's absence as a de-escalation gesture](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/24/tus-nazval-otsutstvie-zelenskogo-na-konferentsii-v-gdanske-zhestom-deeskaliatsii/tus-nazval-otsutstvie-zelenskogo-na-konferentsii-v-gdanske-zhestom-deeskaliatsii-1.webp)

The absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the upcoming International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine in Gdansk is seen by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as a step towards reducing tension in bilateral relations. He stated this during a joint press conference with the heads of government of the "Visegrád Group," reports RBC-Ukraine citing Ukrinform.

### Change of format and delegation composition

Instead of the head of state, the Ukrainian delegation at the event will be led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Tusk emphasized that he is in constant contact with his Ukrainian colleague and does not see any reason for disappointment in this decision. On the contrary, the Polish leader believes that a format involving the Prime Minister may contribute to a more effective conduct of the forum, excluding unnecessary emotional factors.

"If it concerns me, I am not disappointed. In my opinion, this means, perhaps, even a more skillful conduct of the conference, without unnecessary tension, and I perceive this as a gesture of de-escalation of tension," noted the head of the Polish government.

### Political background and mutual grievances

Donald Tusk directly pointed out the existence of "unnecessary emotional tension" between the presidents of Ukraine and Poland, which, according to him, is accompanied by "inadequate reactions on both sides." He considers it a strategic mistake for politicians to further deepen this conflict, which could distract from solving key tasks for the country's reconstruction.

Recall that earlier, the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, was not invited to the conference, which caused his personal dissatisfaction, conveyed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In turn, the Ukrainian leader explained the actions of the Polish leader as a political struggle and an attempt to sabotage the event due to Donald Tusk's participation against the backdrop of the beginning of the electoral process in Poland.

### Goals of the conference in Gdansk

The International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine (Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026) will take place on June 25–26 in Gdansk. The event is intended to become one of the key platforms for attracting investments, developing partnerships, and promoting practical solutions for the country's reconstruction. It is expected that the forum will discuss specific projects and financing mechanisms aimed at reviving Ukraine's infrastructure and economy.

Thus, the change in the format of Ukraine's participation in the conference, according to the Polish side, may become a step towards stabilizing the dialogue and focusing on real reconstruction tasks, rather than political disagreements.