Zelenskyy urges Ukraine-Poland unity to counter Putin as new Polish president takes office
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine and Poland must maintain close ties during the next Polish president's term. The main focus of their cooperation will be the ability to stop Putin, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart, President Andrzej Duda.
Zelenskyy did not rule out visiting Poland during the presidency of Karol Nawrocki, who will replace Duda in office. He also welcomed the idea of inviting Nawrocki to Ukraine.
"Of course, we will invite the new president to Ukraine. And I will gladly accept any invitation to Poland. I always respond positively to such invitations," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president added that Kyiv and Warsaw are "good neighbors." The primary issue in cooperation between the two countries is confronting the threat posed by Putin.
"That is the most important task among all the other issues between us, good neighbors. The main thing, I believe, is what brings aggression. And what we are fighting for: our sovereignty and independence. People fight for this at a high cost, with many years of struggle. But losing it can happen quickly. Therefore, unity between us and Poland is very important," Zelenskyy concluded.
The current Polish president, for his part, suggested that Nawrocki might change his approach to relations with Ukraine after taking office. He said he has already spoken to his successor about this matter.
Duda explained that from the president's desk, the world looks a little different than from the perspective of any Polish politician, especially a presidential candidate. He said that one can see things that aren't visible from other places. He added that the presidential seat often shapes one's vision.
Duda's visit to Kyiv
Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Ukraine on June 28 for a farewell trip. He has served as Poland's president since 2015 and completed two consecutive terms. Karol Nawrocki will succeed Duda as president. He is set to take office on August 6.
During Duda's visit, Zelenskyy awarded the Polish president the Order of Freedom. This is Ukraine's highest honor, which can be awarded to foreign citizens.
