Ukraine and Poland: A united front
Ukraine and Poland stand stronger together, a message echoed by President Volodymyr Zelensky who emphasized that their partnership makes both nations, and Europe, more resilient. He urged the people of Poland to cherish their independence and renewed his belief that Ukraine’s freedom supports Poland’s own security and liberty.
The Ukrainian leader shared a short video in which he spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda, sending heartfelt wishes to the Polish nation on its Independence Day. Zelensky expressed deep respect for Poland and congratulated the country on maintaining the inviolability of its sovereignty, underscoring how Ukraine’s own independence has always been a steadfast pillar of Poland’s freedom.
He highlighted that, when Ukrainians and Poles align toward common goals, significant achievements become possible. The dialogue recalled historical collaborations in battles such as Orsha and Zamość and linked them to today’s shared struggle for freedom in both countries. Zelensky underscored that their unity has meaning beyond borders, contributing to a stronger Europe as a whole.
According to him, mutual respect and shared values—honor, liberty, and freedom—form the bedrock of the Polish nation. He thanked Poland for standing by Ukraine during its toughest times, notably when Russia threatened Ukraine, and acknowledged the shelter and warmth offered to Ukrainian families in Polish homes.
In his remarks, Zelensky urged Andrzej Duda to view Independence Day as a reminder of lasting friendship and a strengthened partnership that will support Europe across generations. He recalled Jerzy Giedroyc’s assertion that Ukraine’s independence is inseparable from Poland’s, a point Zelensky described as practical rather than sentimental, reflecting shared strategic interests between the two nations.
He added that Europe’s unity is most powerful when the Ukrainian-Polish partnership forms one of its cornerstone foundations. When both nations participate together in the European Union and NATO, their influence grows at critical moments of their history, he noted. The message culminated with a reaffirmation: together they are at least twice as strong, and both Poland and Ukraine deserve freedom now and in the future.
Later, Duda spoke warmly, thanking Zelensky for the conversation on a day of great significance for both countries. He marked the 105th anniversary of Poland regaining independence in 1918 and reflected on the enduring value of alliances, neighborly ties, and brotherhood. Zelensky replied that he was grateful for Poland’s ongoing support on Ukraine’s path toward closer ties with the European Union and NATO, adding that the two nations will face the journey ahead together and not alone.
As the discussion drew to a close, Zelensky emphasized that time could not be wasted and urged the two leaders to stay focused on their peoples. The Ukrainian president reaffirmed his gratitude for the enduring friendship and the shared mission that continues to unite their nations.
National Independence Day in Poland is observed on November 11 to remember the moment when the Polish army’s supreme command shifted to Józef Piłsudski in 1918. The holiday, established by the Sejm in 1937, was suspended during the communist era and reinstated in 1989 as a public holiday, marking Poland’s enduring commitment to freedom and sovereignty.
Additional coverage recalled other Ukrainian greetings for Independence Day and noted the unity of politicians commemorating the day with messages of solidarity. The enduring sentiment was clear: there is one Poland and one Ukraine that stand together in service of their nations and of a shared European future.
on reporting from wPolityce and accompanying coverage of remarks by Zelensky and Duda on Independence Day.