On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Polish Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty visited Kyiv and delivered a speech in the Ukrainian parliament.
A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
On February 24, on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Marshal of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty was on a visit to Kyiv. In the morning, on Independence Square, together with representatives of Ukrainian authorities, he paid tribute to soldiers who died defending the country. He was accompanied by, among others, Deputy Marshal of the Sejm Monika Wielichowska, Member of Parliament Paweł Kowal, and Head of the Chancellery of the Sejm Marek Siwiec. On the same day, Czarzasty spoke in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Condemning Russia’s Attack
“Exactly four years ago, Russia, our common enemy, launched an unprecedented and despicable attack on your country,” he said to the deputies. The Marshal emphasized the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers and society. “You have proven that the independence of your homeland, the freedom of your nation are not empty words for you,” he noted. In his speech, he condemned the actions of the Kremlin. “I condemn President Putin as a war criminal and the people who, on his orders, commit murders and rapes against the Ukrainian nation,” he declared.
Shared History and Difficult Matters
Czarzasty also referred to Polish-Ukrainian relations, including difficult historical chapters. He thanked Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk for the words spoken in the Polish Sejm in 2023, addressed to the families of the victims of the Volyn tragedy. He also expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian authorities for enabling the resumption of exhumations in Volhynia. “Let history be a common commitment and foundation of trust. Let it not be ruled by politics,” he said. He emphasized that since 1991, “new” Poland and “new” Ukraine have been building equal relations, and Poland has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of changes in Central-Eastern Europe. “I wish you the same,” he added.
Support Through Actions
The Marshal of the Sejm recalled that Poland was the first country to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991, and in the following years engaged in mediation and supported Ukraine’s democratic aspirations. “Our support is actions. Not just words, not just declarations,” he noted. He pointed to the assistance provided after February 24, 2022: acceptance of millions of refugees, military support, Poland’s role as a logistics hub for military equipment supplies. “There is no free Poland without a free Ukraine and no free Ukraine without a free Poland,” he emphasized.
A Just Peace for Ukraine
Czarzasty also addressed talks about ending the war. He noted that Poland – remembering the experiences of Yalta and Potsdam – demands an international order based on law and democratic values. “We demand a just peace for Ukraine. Nothing About You Without You!” he said. One of the key security guarantees for Ukraine, in the Marshal’s view, should be membership in the European Union. “You will be in the European Union!” he declared. He also announced the establishment of a joint support group for Ukraine in the EU integration process, composed of parliamentarians and experts.