The viewers of Salon Journalarski on TVP Info discussed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Warsaw, a moment many saw as a signal of a growing partnership between Poland and Ukraine.
Observers described it as a pivotal opportunity for two nations to reshape security and political alignments across Central and Eastern Europe. The message was clear: the alliance now in view could influence regional dynamics for years to come, prompting other leaders to take notice.
Marzena Nykiel, editor-in-chief of wPolityce.pl, underscored this sentiment during the program. She highlighted the historic resonance of the meeting and the potential for deeper cooperation beyond symbolic gestures, pointing to the practical gains in economic ties and regional stability.
She noted that both presidents referenced Saint John Paul II, a reference with layers that extend beyond rhetoric into shared memory and moral considerations. The discussion suggested a renewed approach to sensitive topics, including the Volhynia tragedy, with an emphasis on truthful dialogue rather than silence. The speakers indicated ongoing efforts to document history accurately and to ensure that memory informs present policy.
Beyond historical discourse, the interview emphasized the importance of economic partnership between Poland and Ukraine as a cornerstone of their future relationship.
One participant suggested that once the conflict ends, the bilateral relationship could recover further, with both sides taking responsibility for how history is written and remembered. The idea was that stubbornness or suppression of dialogue would only hinder reconciliation.
Another voice defended those who advocate for a clear and frank discussion of past grievances, arguing that labeling concerns as merely bitter can be unfair to those who felt unsettled by the silence surrounding certain events. The overall tone of the visit was hailed as a constructive step toward reconciliation.
Maciej Pawlicki, a film producer and publicist, remarked on the visit as a meaningful moment in Polish-Ukrainian relations, while Mark Formela, editor of Gazeta Gdańska, acknowledged the visit’s significance but expressed disappointment that some topics, including Volhynia, were not addressed more prominently by Zelenskyy.
Several participants agreed that the visit marked an important milestone, with a sense that relations between the two countries could move forward more decisively after the war ends. They cautioned, however, against sidelining issues deemed controversial, arguing that transparent dialogue would help build enduring ties.
When Michał Karnowski, hosting the program, asked whether now is the right moment for bold statements from the leader of a country at war, the panelist replied that the historical moment permits such clarity. They also noted the tragedy in Przewodów and urged a focus on actions that strengthen bilateral cooperation, reminding audiences that attempts to conceal painful truths tend to resurface in a nation’s collective memory.
Peter Semka, a publicist for the weekly Do Rzeczy, highlighted President Andrzej Duda’s remarks about not blocking Western voices that resist peacemaking at Ukraine’s expense. The discussion described the need for Ukraine to lead its own defense while considering a pre-NATO framework that could accompany Kyiv on its path to alliance membership.
Semka conceded that Zelenskyy’s references to Volhynia were missed by some, including himself, and warned that July—the 80th anniversary of Volhynia—could demand renewed public focus. He suggested Zelenskyy might offer signals now that would serve as touchpoints for future remembrance.
Zelensky’s remarks on Smolensk
The program also reflected on Zelenskyy’s assertion that a common enemy would be responsible for Bykivnia, Bucha, Katyn, and Smolensk. The discussion recalled a famous speech by former Polish President Lech Kaczyński in Tbilisi and noted that Zelenskyy’s framing resonates with many Poles.
Piotr Semka pointed to Ukrainian intelligence and its possible insights into Smolensk, suggesting that clear statements on the matter should be treated with careful consideration. The participants agreed that remembering the past clearly matters for present and future policy choices.
Marek Formela recalled the significance of President Kaczyński’s Westerplatte speech and its enduring relevance to Polish memory and national resolve. The discussion emphasized that those words remain a touchstone for how Poles view courage and truth in the face of aggression.
Marzena Nykiel reflected on the pressure President Kaczyński faced and how the war waged against him extended beyond Poland, reflecting on the ongoing struggle to tell the truth about Russia. Her remarks highlighted the resilience required to maintain an honest historical record.
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Source: wPolityce (attribution: wPolityce)