Zelensky Skips Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk Amid Diplomatic Standoff
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has canceled his planned appearance at this week’s Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz citing the...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has canceled his planned appearance at this week’s Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz citing the Ukrainian leader’s controversial decision regarding UPA nomenclature as a significant diplomatic hurdle.
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The Diplomatic Fallout
On Tuesday, June 23, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko announced she would lead the delegation to the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk. Her appointment replaces the previously expected attendance of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz characterized the situation as a direct consequence of President Zelensky’s decision to name a military unit after the “Heroes of the UPA.” According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, this move complicates bilateral relations and cannot be overlooked, as it hinders the potential for deeper cooperation in security and economic sectors.
A Call for Reflection
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that while the current situation is difficult, Poland remains committed to maintaining a strategic partnership with Ukraine, noting that Ukraine serves as a vital security buffer. He stressed that a degree of reflection is now required from the Ukrainian side to repair the damage caused by recent political tensions.
Despite the diplomatic friction, the Defense Minister indicated that dialogue remains open. He noted that other high-level officials, including Ukraine’s Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, will still attend the conference, and insisted that the event remains valuable for strengthening the eastern flank of NATO.
Context of the Dispute
The absence of President Zelensky follows a period of heightened tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv. Last week, Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle previously awarded to Zelensky. This action came after the Ukrainian president named a military unit “Heroes of the UPA,” an act that provoked strong domestic backlash in Poland. In response, President Zelensky returned the order to President Nawrocki.
The URC 2026 conference in Gdańsk, running from June 25–26, focuses on economic and defense support for Kyiv. While diplomatic sources previously suggested Zelensky was weighing his attendance, his final decision underscores the ongoing strain in Polish-Ukrainian relations.