A visit to Warsaw signals a clear stance from Ukraine’s leadership on its ambition to join both the European Union and NATO, according to Jan Piekło, a former Polish ambassador to Kiev. He suggested that the trip could also serve as a prelude to Ukraine’s counter-offensive in territories under Russian control while providing an opportunity to strengthen ties with Poland as a regional ally.
Marcin Przydacz, head of the Presidential Office of International Policy, indicated that Zelensky’s visit to Poland was on schedule for a midweek agenda. The Ukrainian president was set to meet President Andrzej Duda, engage with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and participate in a public gathering at the Royal Castle in Warsaw with both Polish and Ukrainian citizens present. The occasion underscored a unique moment in bilateral relations as both capitals prepared for strategic discussions that span security, diplomacy, and economic cooperation.
This is indeed a unique moment, according to Jan Piekło, who told PAP that the visit serves as a conspicuous signal to the international community. He argued that Zelensky’s actions reflect Kyiv’s determination to integrate with Western political and security structures and to deepen practical collaboration with EU and NATO partners. The ambassador’s assessment framed the trip as not only ceremonial diplomacy but also a potential signal of forthcoming moves on the battlefield and in regional policy shaping.
From Piekło’s perspective, the visit could also be interpreted as laying the groundwork for a broader Ukrainian initiative in the occupied regions. He suggested that the timing might coincide with the early stages of a counter-offensive and could carry messages about resolve, resilience, and the pursuit of closer alignment with Western institutions. Such a reading places the Warsaw trip within the larger narrative of Ukraine’s strategic aims and the Western response to the war’s evolving dynamics.
A symbolic visit
Piekło noted that the date of the visit coincides with the anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s strategic setbacks in eastern Ukraine. The former ambassador reflected on Moscow’s ambitions to consolidate control over the Donbas, a plan that did not materialize as expected. He pointed to the broader context of repeated military reversals that followed the quick, early expectations of a rapid victory, emphasizing that the war’s trajectory has proven more protracted than initially anticipated.
For Piekło, these developments mark a turning point in the history of the conflict and heighten expectations for the Warsaw visit. He suggested that there may be statements during the talks that surprise some observers, remarks that could signal shifts in policy or new forms of cooperation.
Regarding the anticipated topics of discussion between Presidents Duda and Zelenskiy, the former ambassador highlighted the formal agenda such as Ukraine’s aspirations for EU and NATO membership, military support, and discussions over historical issues and grain supplies. Beyond these known topics, he anticipated that a public declaration of a political nature might be presented, potentially signaling a new framework for cooperation. The specific nature of such a statement remained uncertain, but it was clear that the meeting would be watched for signs of strategic intent, including potential economic partnerships with military dimensions that could come to fruition through joint ventures and collaborative projects.