News Feed

Poland-Ukraine relations show progress on historical issues, defense cooperation, Tusk says

2 min read
Poland-Ukraine relations show progress on historical issues, defense cooperation, Tusk says
President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Lviv on Dec. 17, (President of Ukraine / Official website)

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Lviv on Dec. 17 to discuss bilateral cooperation, historical reconciliation, and coordination with Western partners.

Both leaders reported progress in addressing complex historical issues, including the legacy of the Volyn massacre.

Zelensky highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Ukrainian and Polish Ministries of Culture on historical matters, saying: "There is cooperation, there are meetings, joint work has begun, and there is progress in this."

Tusk acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that history "certainly cannot divide us."

Poland has long sought progress on the exhumation of victims of the 1940s events in Volyn, and Tusk said he's understanding Ukraine's current challenges. He reaffirmed that historical complexities would not undermine the strong alliance between the two nations.

West should pressure Russia into peace talks, not Ukraine, Polish FM says
“Both the United States and the European Union must help Ukraine to achieve a better negotiating position for possible future negotiations, which should be encouraged and forced on the aggressor, not the victim.”
Article image

The leaders also discussed the front-line situation, diplomatic strategies, and the need for a just peace. Tusk underscored the importance of unwavering Western support, warning against speculation of a Ukrainian defeat, which he dismissed as baseless.

Zelensky emphasized the shared vision of a strong and secure Ukraine supported by Western unity.

Expectations for Poland's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2024 were addressed, along with discussions on defense cooperation.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Poland's military aid and its support for Ukraine’s NATO and EU aspirations. Tusk reaffirmed Poland's steadfast backing for Ukraine's European integration and security objectives, calling it vital for regional stability.

The ongoing dialogue over the Volyn massacre continues to be a sensitive issue in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

While Polish officials characterize the events as genocide perpetrated by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), Ukrainian officials have called for recognizing shared responsibility for the violence, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Poles and Ukrainians during World War II.

Both sides view continued engagement as crucial for reconciliation.

Zelensky rejects Orban’s mediation, says he has no leverage over Putin
“Ukraine is a strong country and has proven it on the battlefield throughout Putin’s aggression. Does anyone else in Europe have this experience now? No. Does Orban have such an army? No. How will he put pressure on Putin? With a joke, a smile? Let him keep it,” Zelensky said, as reported by Interfa…
Article image
Avatar
Tim Zadorozhnyy

News Editor

Tim Zadorozhnyy is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations, focusing on European Studies. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa. After moving to Warsaw, he joined the Belarusian opposition media outlet NEXTA, starting as a news anchor and later advancing to the position of managing editor.

Read more
News Feed

The World Bank will provide $200 million over the next five years to prepare Ukrainian projects for large-scale reconstruction, the Economy Ministry announced on July 11. The funding will be available under the five-year PREPARE program with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

Video

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, war has become a daily reality for thousands of Ukrainian children. Some Ukrainian military units, such as the Azov Brigade, offer boot camps for teenagers to teach them the basics of self-defense, first aid, dry firing, and other survival skills — helping them prepare for both the realities of today and the uncertainties of the future.

Show More