KYIV/WARSAW — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held his first official phone call on Thursday with Karol Nawrocki, Poland’s president-elect, days before Nawrocki is set to assume office. Zelenskiy described the conversation as positive and underscored the importance of continued military, political, and humanitarian support from Poland as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
“We trust that Poland will continue to be our reliable partner and ally,” Zelenskiy shared on his official Telegram channel. He added that both leaders had agreed to arrange reciprocal official visits.
Despite offering support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia, Nawrocki has expressed firm opposition to Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union and NATO — a stance that may complicate bilateral cooperation going forward. He has also brought attention to unresolved historical grievances between the two nations.
“Karol Nawrocki stressed that he is the voice of a nation that demands a change in Ukraine’s approach to important and so far unresolved historical issues. This should change,” said Rafal Leskiewicz, spokesperson for the president-elect. He added that addressing these contentious memories would become a topic for future dialogue between the leaders.
The unfolding relationship between Zelenskiy and Nawrocki is expected to shape the next phase of cooperation between Ukraine and Poland, as both navigate a complex landscape of war, alliance, and shared but sometimes painful history.