Karol Nawrocki Excluded from Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has not received an invitation to the Ukraine Recovery Conference taking place this Thursday and Friday in Gdańsk, a move confirmed by presidential minister Marcin Przydacz.

Conference Logistics and Invitations

The Ukraine Recovery Conference aims to mobilize international support for a country resisting Russian aggression since 2022. Previous editions have been held in Rome, Berlin, London, and Lugano, with this year’s event in Gdańsk co-organized by Poland and Ukraine.

Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau, confirmed that neither President Nawrocki nor his staff were invited, noting that invitations were issued jointly by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Political Friction and Conflicting Perspectives

While the Presidential Palace has downplayed the conference as a routine event with limited impact on long-term reconstruction, the government views it as a significant opportunity to secure agreements for Polish firms, with nearly 200 companies expressing interest.

Tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv remain high following the recent diplomatic fallout over the Order of the White Eagle and disagreements regarding the naming of historical figures. Przydacz stated that Ukraine had previously withdrawn from scheduled meetings and phone calls, casting doubt on their interest in direct dialogue with the Polish president.

Zelenskyy’s Potential Visit

The status of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attendance in Poland remains under analysis. Ukrainian officials have indicated that a final decision regarding the president’s travel will be made following internal consultations and reports on the conference preparations.