Experts weigh Zelensky’s Warsaw visit and the implications for Poland and Europe
Several voices weighed in on how to position any Ukrainian offensive and where the initiative should sit to maximize gains for Kyiv while pressing Russia. The message is clear: information should stay out of Russian hands and the initiative should remain with Kyiv as much as possible. This stance was voiced by Witold Waszczykowski, former head of Polish diplomacy and a PiS MEP, in an interview conducted for wPolityce.pl, emphasizing that Poland should not disclose sensitive tactics that could aid Moscow.
As President Zelensky visits Poland for the first time since Russia’s aggression intensified, Warsaw is hosting a ceremonial and official engagement that signals the enduring security and political ties between Kyiv and Warsaw. The question on many lips is what concrete outcomes can be anticipated from Zelensky’s presence in the Polish capital tomorrow, given the weight of the moment and the level of official engagement involved.
Waszczykowski notes that Zelensky has met with Polish authorities on eight prior occasions. This ninth meeting, he argues, underscores ongoing and intensive contacts between the Ukrainian leadership and Poland’s top officials. While some analysts question why this visit comes at this moment rather than earlier, the Polish side appears to be highlighting a season of robust, working-level discussions that accompany a high-level state visit.
The focal point of these discussions is expected to be the wartime context and the evolution of bilateral cooperation in areas of urgent need. Yet the dialogue is also likely to touch on a wider set of bilateral issues that have at times hindered seamless collaboration. One recurring topic involves the memory and restitution of Polish historical sites in Ukraine, including cemeteries and churches, which require respectful and practical resolution in line with historic ties and shared history.
Statements from representatives of both the Presidents Chancellery and the Prime Ministers Office suggest that difficult matters will be on the table. Among them is the ongoing grain issue and broader questions about how Ukrainian exports, as well as other goods, can move smoothly without destabilizing the Polish market. The aim is to secure Ukrainian export pathways that benefit Kyiv while preventing distortions that would harm Poland or its domestic producers.
The discussion is also expected to address how wartime support to Ukraine can be maintained sustainably. This means crafting arrangements that ensure continued aid to refugees and continued assistance to Ukrainian defense efforts, without creating excessive costs for Polish society. The balance between generosity and national interest remains a delicate one, and policymakers are mindful of how public sentiment could shift if economic pressures intensify.
From another vantage point, the visit is viewed in Brussels through the lens of how it might influence perceptions of Poland within the European Union. Some observers worry that Brussels officials may not fully grasp how Poland is contributing to Ukraine’s resilience and security. A key concern is that public or political attention could be distracted by other issues, potentially diminishing the perceived value of Polish help and complicating future support for Kyiv.
There is also attention on security and timing. Analysts stress the importance of keeping sensitive details about military activities discreet until the right moment. The proximity to frontline realities and the border with the Kaliningrad region heightens the risk of leaks that could benefit adversaries, so official circles urge caution in the release of information ahead of the visit.
As the visit unfolds, the expectation remains that Warsaw will serve as a clear signal of steadfast European support for Ukraine. Yet there is also a pragmatic thread: practical measures and policy decisions must be made in high-level forums beyond the president’s travel schedule. In that sense, the focus extends beyond optics to the concrete mechanisms of aid, economic support, and coordinated policy on trade and security. A thoughtful approach to these areas is seen as essential for maintaining momentum in both the humanitarian response and the broader allied effort against aggression.
The interviewee reiterates a cautious stance on discussing military strategies in public or in media channels. The goal is not to feed speculation but to preserve the initiative for Kyiv while ensuring that Brussels and other partners understand the seriousness of the situation and the importance of sustained, well-structured assistance. The overarching message remains clear: the alliance must protect sensitive information and keep critical timing in the hands of those responsible for making strategic decisions.
Ultimately, the question remains whether Zelensky’s Warsaw visit will catalyze a stronger European stance or trigger a shift in how Warsaw is perceived across the EU. The hope, from this perspective, is for Brussels to recognize the value of Polish contributions and to align on policies that support Ukraine without creating undue strain on Polish resources. The dialogue continues, guided by a shared objective of securing a durable peace and ensuring stable support for Ukraine in the face of aggression.
Note: The conversation reflects ongoing commentary from experts and policymakers involved in the Polish-Ukrainian relationship and is cited for context within this report. The perspectives presented here stem from interviews and public statements made in the lead up to and during Zelensky’s visit to Warsaw. These insights are attributed to the individuals and institutions mentioned in the discussion.