Relations between Ukraine and Poland have markedly improved, underpinned by a shared understanding that Russia remains the common adversary of both nations, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Speaking in an online press briefing reported by state news agency Ukrinform, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, bilateral working teams, and the Polish public for their sustained solidarity, emphasizing that Moscow remains alarmed by the strategic alignment between Kyiv and Warsaw.
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“I want to say quite frankly that our relations with Poland have genuinely improved. I am very grateful for this to Poland, to our teams, to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and I am grateful to the people of Poland for supporting Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
“It is very important for us to stand together right now. The enemy is one – Russia. And it is deeply worried that Ukraine and Poland have a strong alliance.”
The Ukrainian head of state stressed that bilateral cooperation must continue to strengthen, urging both governments to address historical and diplomatic friction with measured pragmatism.
“Even very complex issues will be resolved; I am confident of this,” Zelensky affirmed.
“I also want to note that we had a good meeting with the prime minister of Poland. Thank you, Donald, for the support. These will be mutually beneficial relations built on respect and on the vital importance of security in Europe.”
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High-level outreach
The constructive tone between Kyiv and Warsaw builds upon bilateral diplomatic exchanges earlier in the year marking Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence.
In August, Polish President Karol Nawrocki transmitted an official letter to Zelensky expressing solidarity with Ukraine’s existential defense, wishing Ukrainian forces victory over Russian aggression and reaffirming Warsaw’s commitment to the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.
In the letter, Nawrocki acknowledged lingering sensitivities between the two nations, emphasizing that bilateral relations must advance through open dialogue and mutual respect for historical truth.
Zelensky responded by thanking the Polish leadership and society, affirming that Ukraine seeks to develop durable ties anchored in mutual respect, a realistic assessment of contemporary threats, and shared integration within the EU and NATO.
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