During a joint interview on Polsat News, presidents Andrzej Duda and Volodymyr Zelensky shared a light moment that drew smiles from viewers. The Ukrainian leader responded to a joke from the Polish head of state with warmth and a touch of humor, saying, “Andrzej, that’s because you haven’t been to Ukraine in a long time. Please let’s fix it.”
The Sunday edition of Rymanowski’s Breakfast featured a previously unaired excerpt from the same interview, recorded for Polsat News. Bogdan Rymanowski guided the conversation as the two leaders reflected on how the world had shifted in the year marked by Russia’s large-scale invasion.
When asked about how they themselves had changed as presidents, Duda joked that he had lost weight, acknowledging the immense political challenges of the past year. He described the experience as unprecedented for politicians of the longest standing generation and emphasized his duty to support Ukraine’s resilience. He also expressed a belief that Ukraine would join NATO in the future and become part of the Three Seas Initiative.
Zelensky answers the Polish president’s joke
Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the friendly quip from the president of Poland, noting that Duda had indeed shed some pounds, and urging that the moment be used to repair and strengthen ties. The exchange turned into a moment of shared humanity between leaders who have faced a volatile regional landscape together.
In a light-hearted tone, Duda recounted his own visits to Ukraine—five in total since February 23 of the previous year, four to Kyiv and one to Lviv—and smiled at the idea that such travel might be considered rare. Zelensky replied that Polish hospitality was always available and invited the Polish leader to taste Ukrainian hospitality as well. The two exchanged a playful banter about exploring Ukrainian cuisine, with Duda stating that he wouldn’t resist a culinary invitation.
Both presidents underscored their steadfast support for one another and for Ukraine. Duda asserted that Poland would never hesitate to help Ukraine if the need arose, and that Ukraine would always be welcome in Poland, both as a guest and as a visitor who might stay longer. The tone remained warm and cooperative, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability and mutual aid.
“Dear Poland, there are no borders between us”
Zelensky also recalled an early wartime moment when Ukrainian and Polish leaders spoke by phone frequently. He recalled a pivotal decision at the start of the conflict when a long line of cars and people at the border prompted shared action. The two sides chose to remove border obstacles, signaling that barriers between Poland and Ukraine had no lasting place in their partnership. Zelensky emphasized that there are no borders between the two nations and that they are brothers in arms during these difficult times.
Addressing a broad audience, Zelensky urged viewers to hear the message: Poland and Ukraine are bound by a deep bond. He reiterated that the two countries stand together and that the idea of borders between them is a thing of the past, a sentiment born from their experience of cooperation and resilience.
As the conversation turned toward ongoing and future support, both leaders highlighted continued collaboration across security, defense, and humanitarian efforts. The exchange illustrated a pragmatic commitment to shared goals in the region, with a tone that balanced frank assessment of challenges with a hopeful outlook for enduring partnership. The dialogue also drew attention to broader geopolitical dynamics, including Poland’s perspective on Ukraine’s path toward integration with Western security architectures and economic cooperation within the European community. In closing, the leaders offered mutual encouragement and a reaffirmation of their countries’ enduring ties and friendship.
Additional notes and commentary on the interview highlighted ongoing discussions about arms support and strategic assistance for Ukraine, as well as the broader question of how Allied nations align their resources to respond to evolving security threats. Readers and viewers were encouraged to follow subsequent coverage for more insights into how the Polish-Ukrainian partnership evolves in the coming months.
Source: wPolityce