Tusk views Zelenskyy's absence from the conference in Gdańsk as a sign of tension
The absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine in Gdańsk has become the subject of political commentary in Poland. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that he views this as a possible step toward easing tensions in relations between Kyiv and Warsaw.
According to the Polish prime minister, the situation surrounding the event’s preparations was marked by emotional reactions from both sides, but Ukraine’s current decision could help avoid further conflicts and make the conference more peaceful.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that he is in constant contact with the Ukrainian side regarding participation in the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which is to take place in Gdańsk. According to him, the Ukrainian delegation at the event will be led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. “I am in constant contact with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. She informed me that she will lead the delegation,” Tusk said during a joint press conference with the heads of government of the Visegrad Group countries.
Commenting on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s absence, the Polish prime minister emphasized that he does not consider this a problem for the event. On the contrary, in his view, it may reduce tensions surrounding the conference. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m not disappointed. In my opinion, this may even mean the conference will run more smoothly, without unnecessary tension, and I see it as a gesture aimed at de-escalating tensions,” Tusk said.
He also added that recent events have been accompanied by excessive emotions between political parties in Ukraine and Poland, and that some of the reactions were “inappropriate.” According to him, the current format of participation can help focus on practical issues of Ukraine’s recovery without additional political disputes. The conference in Gdańsk is dedicated to coordinating international support for Ukraine’s post-war recovery and engaging partners in long-term reconstruction projects.
Public accusations by Karol Nawrocki of the Office of the President of Poland regarding the lack of an invitation to the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine (URC-2026) in Gdańsk are purely a political ploy. The current format of the event does not provide for the participation of heads of state at all, as it is strictly a government-level track of the executive branch.
Navrotsky Responded to Zelenskyy Regarding the Order of the White Eagle
Earlier, Zelenskyy had sent Navrotsky the Order of the White Eagle via Nova Poshta.
Following this, Leonid Kuchma declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
Ukraine’s third president, Viktor Yushchenko, also declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
Furthermore, Borys Tarasyuk will return the Polish order due to Navrotsky’s policies.
