Polish President Andrzej Duda delivered a message of solidarity with Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv on Saturday, reassuring Poland’s unwavering support in the face of Russian aggression.
Duda’s visit was part of the celebrations marking the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, where he joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė at Sofiyskaya Square in Kyiv.
In his address, President Duda highlighted the deep ties between Poland, Ukraine, and the broader region, asserting that the security and independence of countries like Poland and Lithuania are intrinsically linked to a free and sovereign Ukraine.
“It is difficult to imagine an independent and secure Poland, Lithuania, or other countries in our region without an independent Ukraine,” said Duda.
He spokeof Poland’s consistent support for Ukraine since the early days of Russia’s invasion, recalling his visit to Kyiv with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on February 23, 2022, the day before the full-scale attack began.
“Poland is with you, has been with you since the very beginning of Russian aggression,” he said.
Duda’s speech also touched on the historical and cultural bonds between Poland and Ukraine, drawing parallels between Ukraine’s current struggle and Poland’s fight for freedom in the past.
“Poland’s history is the most striking example that determination, persistence, and an unwavering love for freedom must lead to victory,” he said, expressing confidence that Ukraine will ultimately prevail against Russian aggression.
Reflecting on Ukraine’s longstanding aspiration to be part of the European community, Duda said, “Ukraine has long aspired to be part of a political community founded on the principles of Christianity, Greek philosophy, and Roman law. These aspirations are justified.”
He further stressed Poland’s commitment to ensuring that Ukraine reaches this goal, saying, “Poland will not rest and will not leave Ukraine on its own in its journey to the European Community.”
President Duda also acknowledged the complex shared history between Poland and Ukraine, which includes both moments of cooperation and painful chapters.
However, the unity and solidarity between the two nations today are stronger than any past divisions. “What unites us today is absolutely stronger than what divides us,” he concluded.
The visit marked Duda’s fifth trip to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion began, reaffirming Poland’s pivotal role in supporting Ukraine both diplomatically and on the international stage.
In his address, President Duda highlighted the deep ties between Poland, Ukraine, and the broader region, asserting that the security and independence of countries like Poland and Lithuania are intrinsically linked to a free and sovereign Ukraine.
“It is difficult to imagine an independent and secure Poland, Lithuania, or other countries in our region without an independent Ukraine,” said Duda.
He spokeof Poland’s consistent support for Ukraine since the early days of Russia’s invasion, recalling his visit to Kyiv with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on February 23, 2022, the day before the full-scale attack began.
“Poland is with you, has been with you since the very beginning of Russian aggression,” he said.
Duda’s speech also touched on the historical and cultural bonds between Poland and Ukraine, drawing parallels between Ukraine’s current struggle and Poland’s fight for freedom in the past.
“Poland’s history is the most striking example that determination, persistence, and an unwavering love for freedom must lead to victory,” he said, expressing confidence that Ukraine will ultimately prevail against Russian aggression.
Reflecting on Ukraine’s longstanding aspiration to be part of the European community, Duda said, “Ukraine has long aspired to be part of a political community founded on the principles of Christianity, Greek philosophy, and Roman law. These aspirations are justified.”
He further stressed Poland’s commitment to ensuring that Ukraine reaches this goal, saying, “Poland will not rest and will not leave Ukraine on its own in its journey to the European Community.”
President Duda also acknowledged the complex shared history between Poland and Ukraine, which includes both moments of cooperation and painful chapters.
However, the unity and solidarity between the two nations today are stronger than any past divisions. “What unites us today is absolutely stronger than what divides us,” he concluded.
The visit marked Duda’s fifth trip to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion began, reaffirming Poland’s pivotal role in supporting Ukraine both diplomatically and on the international stage.
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