Zelenskyy Cancels Gdańsk Visit; Przydacz Claims Tusk Humiliated

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk this Thursday and Friday, prompting opposition accusations that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has been slighted.

Shift in Ukrainian Representation

Poland is co-hosting this year’s URC, an annual event bringing together world leaders and investors to coordinate the reconstruction of Ukraine. Initially, expectations pointed toward the presence of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside Polish leadership.

However, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has announced she will lead the Kyiv delegation in his place.

Political Clash Over International Protocol

Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau, criticized the absence on social media, noting that the conference invitations were signed jointly by Tusk and Zelenskyy. He argued that the President’s withdrawal leaves the Polish Prime Minister exposed to ridicule, calling it another instance of Tusk facing humiliation on the international stage.

Conversely, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wewiór urged against downplaying Svyrydenko’s attendance, describing her presence as a high-level confirmation of commitment from the Ukrainian side. He noted that the conference is a rotating international event and it remains unclear if Zelenskyy will participate remotely.

Logistics and Diplomatic Tensions

The conference is set to feature around 100 countries and 40 government representatives, with roughly 200 agreements expected to be signed. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski will represent Poland, holding several bilateral meetings throughout the event.

The incident occurs amidst a broader diplomatic strain regarding Karol Nawrocki’s move to revoke Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle following the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after UPA heroes.