While government sources initially signaled potential cancellations of the Ukrainian president’s visit to Gdansk, key Polish officials have confirmed his attendance at the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference.
Government reports on attendance uncertainty
Wirtualna Polska reported on Monday, June 8, that Volodymyr Zelensky might skip the conference in Gdansk. A government source suggested the Ukrainian leader was concerned about the potential for a cold reception or public protests in Poland.
Official confirmation from Pawel Kowal
Pawel Kowal dismissed these concerns on Wednesday, asserting that Zelensky’s attendance is confirmed. Kowal stated that the event would be the largest political and economic conference of the year, involving representatives from the G7 and other major Western nations.
Sikorski and Tusk on the conference goals
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski described the conference as a significant political effort and a gesture of friendship toward Ukraine, intended to benefit both nations. Prime Minister Donald Tusk added that he is not waiting for further confirmation, noting that Zelensky will serve as a co-host of the event.
Diplomatic friction over UPA naming decision
Current tensions stem from Zelensky’s late-May decision to name a military unit after the “Heroes of the UPA.” Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz characterized this move as unacceptable, arguing that Ukraine should focus on its current defenders rather than figures from the Second World War.
