Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue between nations and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to refrain from making derogatory comments about Poland. Morawiecki’s comments came in response to Zelensky’s recent address at the United Nations, where he made remarks that were perceived by some as offensive to the Polish people.
During his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York, Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s efforts to secure land routes for grain exports. However, his comments took a critical tone toward certain European nations, with the suggestion that they were contributing to a political spectacle rather than genuinely supporting Ukraine. While Zelensky did not explicitly mention Poland, his remarks resonated strongly in Warsaw and sparked concerns.
Addressing the issue at a meeting in Świdnik, eastern Poland, Prime Minister Morawiecki emphasized Poland’s commitment to defending its good name and maintaining a constructive relationship with Ukraine. He stated, “I want to tell President Zelensky never to insult Poles again, as he did recently during his speech at the UN. Poles will never allow it. Defending the Polish good name is not only my duty and honour but is also the most important task of the government of the Republic of Poland. We will defend all our arguments in the current geopolitical context, and we know how these arguments should be shaped.”
Morawiecki acknowledged the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Poland’s role in supporting its neighbour. He stressed that while Poland is assisting Ukraine by providing weapons and logistical support, it is essential to maintain respectful and diplomatic discourse between the two nations.
President Andrzej Duda also weighed in on the matter, stating that while Zelensky did not directly mention Poland, there was an implied suggestion that left many feeling slighted. Duda expressed his disappointment, saying, “I thought what Zelensky had said was so unfair, and his words made me feel bitter.”
As diplomatic relations continue to evolve, both Poland and Ukraine face the challenge of balancing their respective national interests while maintaining a harmonious partnership in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Prime Minister Morawiecki’s call for respectful dialogue underscores the significance of maintaining amicable relations between neighbouring nations.