Amid growing tensions in bilateral relations, Warsaw and Kyiv are attempting to maintain the format of cooperation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, during a press conference, stated that he will wait for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Gdańsk for the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, scheduled for June 25–26.
'We Will Welcome Those Who Come'
Tusk emphasized that Zelenskyy is a co-organizer of the event, so the Polish side does not plan to refuse the participation of the Ukrainian leader. 'I am not expecting any confirmation here. We, quite obviously, will welcome in Gdańsk those who come: companies, business. This is in the interests of both Ukraine and Poland,' noted the Prime Minister.
According to him, the success of the conference is important for both countries, as negotiations will concern not only humanitarian issues but also the economic interests of Poland in the reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure. 'We will see how it goes, but so far I have no signals that the Ukrainian side wants to somehow not take this into account in their plans,' added Tusk.
Air Incident: Rzeszów is Not Closed
Separately, Tusk commented on the recent episode when Zelenskyy's plane flew to the UK from Moldova, bypassing the Polish airport in Rzeszów — previously used as a transit hub. 'President Zelenskyy uses other opportunities than Rzeszów, and that's it. I will not tell him where and how he should fly. Rzeszów was not closed,' stated the Polish Prime Minister.
He also reminded that Poland's aid to Ukraine goes beyond military support and includes logistics, humanitarian aid, and economic cooperation.
Crisis over UPA: Award at Risk?
Tensions between the countries intensified after Zelenskyy awarded the separate special operations center 'North' the honorary title 'named after the Heroes of the UPA' at the end of May. This decision provoked a sharp reaction in Poland, where the UPA is associated with the Volhynian tragedy and collaboration with Nazis during World War II.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki suggested that Zelenskyy could be stripped of Poland's highest state award — the Order of the White Eagle. In response, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it did not intend to offend Poland and explained: for Ukrainian society, the UPA is a symbol of resistance to Russian imperialism and occupation.
Call for Dialogue: 'Do Not Allow the Undermining of Solidarity'
Tusk called on the leadership of both countries to engage in direct negotiations and prevent the destruction of strategic partnership against the backdrop of Russian aggression. 'Solidarity between us is not just words. It is the foundation of security for all of Europe,' he concluded.
The conference in Gdańsk will become a key test of Warsaw and Kyiv's ability to maintain dialogue even in the face of deep disagreements. Its outcome will determine not only the future of Ukraine's reconstruction but also the stability of the entire regional bloc amid the ongoing war.