Zelensky thanks Polish President Nawrocki for Independence Day letter

Exchange of presidential letters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on 26 August to an official letter sent by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to mark Ukraine's 35th Independence Day. Publishing a scan of the letter on social platform X, Zelensky thanked Nawrocki for his greetings and expressed appreciation for the Polish president's wishes of victory and peace. Zelensky stressed that Ukrainians remember Poland's early assistance, open hearts, and open borders from the first days of the Russian invasion in 2022. He stated that Kyiv remains committed to strengthening mutual relations while addressing difficult historical questions directly.

We are determined to develop ties between our two strong nations, with respect and sincerity toward the past, a realistic view of current threats, and optimism regarding our shared future in the EU and NATO.

Content of Nawrocki's letter

In his official correspondence, Nawrocki highlighted Poland's role as the first country in the world to recognise Ukraine's independence following the parliamentary vote in Kyiv. Nawrocki described the 24 August 1991 declaration and the subsequent December 1991 referendum as closing chapters of the Soviet Union, which he described as a prison of nations. The Polish president affirmed that awareness of Ukraine's existential battle for sovereign self-determination remains strong across Poland. He also wished Ukraine the full restoration of its territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders.

The Republic of Poland was the first country in the world to recognize Ukraine's independence, which was an expression of appreciation for the freedom aspirations of the Ukrainian nation.

Nawrocki acknowledged in the letter that while many bilateral matters have found resolution over the past 35 years, other issues still require additional time and goodwill between neighbours.

Bilateral tensions and diplomatic context

The public exchange occurred against a backdrop of diplomatic strain between Warsaw and Kyiv. Relations cooled earlier following Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) figures, which drew criticism from Warsaw. In June, Nawrocki rescinded Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle, after which the Ukrainian president returned the decoration. Zelensky did not attend the June Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, where Kyiv was represented instead by then-Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Polish state leaders also did not travel to Kyiv for the 24 August anniversary events, where foreign delegations included UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, European Council President António Costa, and leaders from Moldova, Estonia, and Luxembourg. Burnham confirmed that British policy under his government will maintain support for Ukraine.

Reactions from Polish government officials

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also sent official greetings to Ukraine on Independence Day via platform X, linking Polish history with the Ukrainian war effort.

We, Poles, know what it means to pay the highest price for independence. We know what the words 'For our freedom and yours' mean. And therefore the Polish Nation is today, on Ukraine's Independence Day, with all its heart with the fighting Ukrainian Nation.

Zelensky responded directly to Tusk's statement, stating that the motto carries renewed significance as Ukraine defends European freedom. On the same holiday, Zelensky signed legislation establishing a Ukrainian National Pantheon, an initiative that had previously generated controversy in Polish political debates.