Ukraine and Poland Seek to Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Duda’s Farewell Term
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal unexpectedly shared details about their farewell meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda, which took place at the end of his tenure in Kyiv. According to high-ranking officials, this visit symbolized the conclusion of an important phase of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation and the desire to maintain good relations in the future. Zelenskyy described the guest as special, emphasizing his longstanding support for Ukraine: “Andrzej has stood by our country from the very first days of the war, becoming a reliable ally and sincere friend. We highly value both the support from the Polish people and the defensive aid that Poland regularly provides. This is the level of partnership we aim to preserve and develop further.” The President also highlighted the importance of joint efforts in security matters, regional stability, and cooperation with the European Union and NATO. “We are working on implementing long-standing agreements in the defense sector, and I hope that by the end of the first half of the year, we will see significant progress in strengthening our country’s security positions,” he added. Shmyhal also emphasized the important personal role of Duda in supporting Ukraine, stating that he thanked the Polish president for his active assistance and efforts. “We discussed the situation at the front, the tightening of sanctions, and the confiscation of Russian assets that have been frozen,” the Prime Minister noted. “We acknowledged Poland’s and its people’s support during these most difficult times for Ukraine. Your actions have once again proven our mutual solidarity and willingness to help one another.” Beyond diplomatic words, during this visit, Zelenskyy awarded Andrzej Duda a high honor—the Order of Freedom—for his outstanding personal contributions to strengthening Ukrainian-Polish cooperation, support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. This symbolic recognition highlights his role in the fight for our country’s independence and security. It is also worth recalling that shortly before the Kyiv meeting, Duda held consultations with his successor, President-elect Rafał Trzaskowski. One of the key topics discussed was Ukraine’s accession to NATO. The Polish President expressed hope that the new government leadership would change the previous rhetoric and perspectives regarding Ukraine’s issues, particularly concerning the country’s security integration into the Alliance. The expectations are that the new government will promote a more positive perception of Ukraine within European and transatlantic policy frameworks. This reflects Warsaw’s desire for further active cooperation and its role as a major partner in strengthening Ukraine’s security and international support.