Media: Poland–Ukraine political tensions threaten business cooperation Ahead of Gdańsk conference

A political dispute between Warsaw and Kyiv over Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is casting uncertainty over a major business conference on Ukraine’s reconstruction, set to take place in Gdańsk later this week, Bloomberg reported.

The two-day forum, scheduled for June 25, was designed to connect Polish companies with opportunities in Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding efforts. 

It has previously been hosted in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, and is widely viewed as a platform for translating political commitments into commercial contracts.

Tensions escalated after Polish President Karol Nawrocki reportedly decided to revoke Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state honour. The move has raised doubts over Zelenskyy’s attendance at the Gdańsk conference, according to Bloomberg.

Poland is currently the tenth-largest foreign investor in Ukraine, according to the Centre for Eastern Studies. Even before the latest diplomatic friction, the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine had anticipated that the event could result in dozens of contracts across sectors including energy, construction and defence.

Polish construction firms such as Budimex, Polimex-Mostostal and AMW Sinevia have already outlined cooperation plans, while retail and financial groups including LPP, Pepco, Allegro and PZU are expanding their presence in Ukraine.

However, industry representatives warn that worsening political relations could dampen commercial momentum.

“Growing political caution on both sides will make it even harder to conclude deals. Ukrainians are not welcoming us with open arms,” said Damian Kazimierczak, deputy head of the Polish Construction Employers’ Federation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev