President Elekt Karol Nawrocki spoke by telephone with Volodymyr Zelenski. Important words have been said about the future of cooperation and unresolved historical issues.
President Elekt Karol Nawrocki talks to Zelenski
At the initiative of the President of Ukraine, a telephone conversation was held on 31 July with the President-elect Karol Nawrocki. Volodymyr Zelenski congratulated the Pole on his election victory and stressed Poland's role as a key regional partner and the foundation of Europe's security.According to the announcement by President Elect's office, the conversation was cordial, but focused on the factual aspects of cooperation.
A new model of cooperation: partnership and respect
Nawrocki pointed out that the future of Polish-Ukrainian relations should be based on mutual respect and real partnership. He reminded that Poland, being one of the main allies of Ukraine, would not leave it alone against Russian aggression. At the same time, he strongly stressed that such cooperation requires fair dialogue and compliance with certain conditions, as well as settlement of important themes from the past. This is a step towards a more partnered model of relations – for example: arrangements for military support, humanitarian support or participation of Polish companies in reconstruction of Ukraine.
Ukraine can count on Polish support
- Poland has already allocated over EUR 25 billion to aid Ukraine – humanitarian, military and refugee.
- 993 thousand Ukrainian citizens have special PESEL in Poland, which entitles them to benefits and education.
- Systemic support has different forms: from grant organisations to infrastructure support and temporary protection for refugees (extended to 2026).
Historical policy – a topic for urgent talks
Karol Nawrocka does not avoid difficult questions. During the conversation he emphasized that solving long-standing historical issues is a condition of social trust in Poland towards future, deeper cooperation with Ukraine.The President of the Elekta clearly declared that he would demand from Ukraine, among others, steps on the policy of commemorating victims and exhumation in Volyn. These themes are to become a permanent element of the Polish-Ukrainian dialogue at the highest level.
Priorities in Polish-Ukrainian relations according to Nawrocki
- Mutual respect and partnership – no more relation based on one-sided expectations.
- The support of Ukraine towards Russian aggression – but not at all costs.
- Solving fundamental historical disputes, with Volyn at the head.
- Maintaining Polish economic and social interests.
- Strengthening infrastructure and business cooperation on a transparent basis.
An example of a new tone in relationships: what can it mean?
The change in the attitude of the president of the elect is noticeable – Poland does not intend to act as a "older brother" or "helper without expectations". The extended hand to cooperate goes hand in hand with clear conditions. For example, the desire to invest in reconstruction of Ukraine is to go hand in hand with the access of Polish companies to the Ukrainian market and the real impact on the shape of agreements supporting Polish business.
Nawrocki's telephone conversation with Zelenski has set new directions in Polish-Ukrainian relations. Poland will continue to support Ukraine against the criminal aggression of Russia, but expects respect, partnership and readiness to face a common, difficult past.
