Zelenskyy Identified the Key Factor for Closer Ties Between Ukraine and Poland
Ukraine and Poland should focus on joint projects in the fields of security, energy, the economy, and other areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that it is important for the two countries to remain open to complex issues, but at the same time to work more on what unites them.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and Poland should be “mature partners” and devote more attention to common interests. According to him, the countries are strong neighbors, friends, and partners, and therefore can deepen their cooperation in several areas at once.
Zelenskyy made these remarks during the inaugural Carpathian 8 Summit, which is taking place in Bukovel. The summit brings together Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, and Serbia. Among the main topics of the meeting are security, the economy, energy, investment, and cross-border cooperation.
Zelenskyy called for open discussion of complex issues
The head of state emphasized that Ukraine is ready to discuss any bilateral issues with Poland, including those that may be sensitive for both countries. “We are strong neighbors and friends. We are strong partners and very open to discussing any issue. Perhaps we are sometimes too direct, but, in my opinion, if we are friends, we must be open and talk about everything that is sensitive for both sides,” Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the president believes that disagreements on specific issues should not overshadow broader cooperation. He proposed focusing on areas where Kyiv’s and Warsaw’s interests align. “We are friends, and Russia is the enemy. And I think that if we begin any dialogue based on this shared understanding and common focus, then I believe we’ll be able to work everything out,” the head of state noted.
More Joint Production and Security
According to Zelenskyy, the Carpathian Initiative could serve as another platform for developing ties between Ukraine and Poland. This involves not only intergovernmental cooperation but also joint projects involving businesses, youth, and cultural and sports organizations. The president specifically highlighted economic cooperation and joint production. He believes that practical projects, in particular, can help the countries resolve political differences more easily. “We sometimes have different political views on certain issues, and it’s normal to discuss them. But more joint production, more joint projects, more successful ventures, more security, and more energy—that’s good for both nations,” Zelenskyy said.
The organizers of the Carpathian 8 Summit are also placing an emphasis on practical projects. Ninety investment projects in the fields of energy, transportation, logistics, industry, infrastructure, agri-food, and other sectors were presented during the summit. The total investment needed for these projects is estimated at $10.7 billion.
Ukraine Is Ready to Share Military Technologies
Zelenskyy cited security as another important area. According to him, Ukraine possesses technologies that were actively developed during the full-scale war and is ready to share these developments with its Polish partners. Among the possible areas of cooperation, the president mentioned missile defense. He also announced efforts to establish an anti-ballistic coalition. “We are building an anti-ballistic coalition. We will create a European anti-ballistic system—I am 100 percent certain of this,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
He also thanked Poland for its support of Ukraine following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. “I have always been grateful for every aid package that Poland has provided us and for the support it has given us,” the president noted. The Carpathian 8 Summit is taking place in Bukovel on September 18–20. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among countries in the region in the areas of security, the economy, investment, and cross-border projects.
