Nawrocki and Zelensky hold hour-long talks at NATO summit as Sikorski mocks 'problem they created'

Meeting on the sidelines

Presidents Karol Nawrocki and Volodymyr Zelensky held an hour-long conversation during the NATO summit in Ankara, which ran from 7 to 8 July. Nawrocki told a press conference that maintaining constant dialogue and a free flow of information between neighbours is essential, and that Russia remains the main threat to both countries. The meeting came after weeks of strained Polish-Ukrainian relations, sparked by Zelensky's decision in May to name an elite military unit after UPA heroes.

We did not manage to resolve historical issues at this meeting. We did not approach it with the hope that all issues could be resolved. For me, UPA issues, UPA symbols, are non-negotiable.

Zelensky later posted on X that the two had agreed to continue their dialogue, calling Russia the common threat and stressing the need for mutual understanding and unity.

Historical deadlock

The legacy of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and its symbols dominated the talks. Nawrocki stated that the emotions of Poles tied to UPA are non-negotiable and warned that the Banderite flag limits Ukraine's future in the European Union. The two presidents confirmed their respective positions but described the meeting as constructive.

We agreed to continue our dialogue.

Earlier this year, after Zelensky honoured the unit, Nawrocki consulted the chapter of the Order of the White Eagle and revoked the decoration that former president Andrzej Duda had awarded Zelensky in 2023. A few days later, Zelensky skipped a reconstruction conference in Gdańsk.

Sikorski's sarcasm

Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who also attended the Ankara summit, posted a biting comment on X shortly after the meeting. He wrote: "Thank you to the presidents of Poland and Ukraine for trying so hard during the NATO summit in Ankara to solve a problem they themselves created." The remark drew immediate pushback from Polish commentators.

Thank you to the presidents of Poland and Ukraine for trying so hard during the NATO summit in Ankara to solve a problem they themselves created.

Tomasz Grabarczyk of the Confederation party retorted that Zelensky alone created the problem by promoting Banderism, and urged Sikorski to "stand on Poland's side for once." Lawyer and economist Józef Kasprowicz noted that even the European Parliament's resolution that day had no doubts on the matter, questioning Sikorski's stance. Journalist Marcin Torz added: "The president of Ukraine created it. Let's support Poland, ok?"

Summit backdrop

Before the talks, Nawrocki and First Lady Marta Nawrocka attended a dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for heads of state and government. A group photograph placed the Polish and Ukrainian presidential couples side by side, a visual juxtaposition given the recent tensions. Poland's priorities at the summit included maintaining transatlantic ties, pushing allies to raise defence spending, and treating Russia as a direct security threat. Nawrocki also planned to raise the expansion of NATO infrastructure in Central Europe, including pipelines that have not been extended since the Cold War.