Polish FM says Zelenskyy’s pride would not be affected by visit to Poland

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has weighed in on the debate over whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should visit Poland to express gratitude for the country’s support, noting caustically that making the trip would not have affected his pride.

Sikorski emphasised that he rejects any form of pressure on Kyiv, RMF24 reports.

“Insistent demands for apologies and tributes, in a situation where they are fighting for their lives, disgust me,” he said.

At the same time, FM added: “President Zelenskyy wouldn’t have lost his pride if, while passing through Poland, he requested a visit to the presidential residence.”

Responding to comments about diplomatic protocol—which traditionally dictates that the leader with less seniority makes the visit—Sikorski noted that war has its own circumstances.

“I hope all this does not become a pretext for showing hostility toward a country that is bravely fighting and keeping Putin’s forces far from our borders,” the minister said.

The discussion flared up after Polish President Karol Nawrocki said the Ukrainian leader ought to “express thanks” to Polish soldiers and the Polish people.

The Ukrainian president, however, has repeatedly and publicly thanked Poland, both previous Polish governments and the current president, for assistance, joint decisions, and the “path both countries have walked together” since the start of the war.

By Jeyhun Aghazada