Poland-Ukraine diplomatic rift deepens as Zelenskyy skips Gdańsk reconstruction summit

Origins of the crisis

On 27 May, President Zelenskyy named a Ukrainian military unit after "Heroes of the UPA" (Ukrainian Insurgent Army), a nationalist formation that Poland holds responsible for the massacre of tens of thousands of Poles during World War II. The decision was condemned across Poland. On 19 June, President Karol Nawrocki announced he had decided to revoke Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state distinction. The next day, Zelenskyy returned the order, writing that if Nawrocki believes the symbol can remain with Catherine II or Benito Mussolini, Ukraine will not debate it.

“If Nawrocki believes this special symbol can remain with Catherine II, Benito Mussolini and Gerhard Schröder, we in Ukraine will not discuss it.”

Failed attempts at diplomacy

In a Sunday interview, Zelenskyy said he had proposed a meeting with President Nawrocki and a joint press conference. He claimed his chief of staff and deputy had travelled to Poland and spoken with the presidential chancellery, the prime minister's team, and the marshal of the Sejm, but returned convinced the Polish side would still revoke the decoration. Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau at the Polish presidency, confirmed on Monday that talks had taken place but said the Ukrainian side withdrew and showed no interest in a real discussion.

Conference goes ahead without Zelenskyy

On Tuesday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko announced she would lead the delegation at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk on 25–26 June. She stated the team aims to reach concrete agreements to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and expand economic cooperation. The conference, the first held in Poland, will be opened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. A Commission spokesperson called the event an important signal of support for Ukraine and urged unity, noting that the only person pleased by the current situation was Vladimir Putin.

“Everything starts with President Zelenskyy's wrong decision.”

Polish officials react

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the crisis began with Zelenskyy's "wrong decision" and that without it, relations would be built on friendship and cooperation. He insisted historical truth and commemoration of the Volhynia genocide are essential. Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed hope that the two sides would find a common path after emotions subside, adding: "I believe that after night comes day, and after a storm comes calm." He also stressed that Poland would ensure the conference delivers economic and security benefits.