Nawrocki Snubbed in Gdańsk; Dworczyk Accuses Tusk and Zelensky of Political Gamesmanship

The Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk has become a focal point of domestic political friction, with PiS MEP Michał Dworczyk criticizing the exclusion of Karol Nawrocki from the event’s invitation list.

Dworczyk Claims Strategic Exclusion

PiS MEP Michał Dworczyk labeled the exclusion of Karol Nawrocki from the Ukraine Recovery Conference a deliberate political maneuver. He argued that Prime Minister Donald Tusk allowed the Ukrainian side to exploit domestic Polish tensions, characterizing the move as a coordinated act against the Polish president.

Dworczyk emphasized that Ukrainian foreign policy is highly skilled at navigating international divisions. He expressed dismay that a Polish prime minister would align with a foreign leader to undermine a Polish official, asserting this was the primary intent behind the conference’s guest list.

Government Justification for Guest List

The government maintains that the invitation process followed the standard protocol for the Ukraine Recovery Conference. Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka explained that the event is a cyclical initiative organized by executive authorities responsible for national economic and foreign policy.

Ukraine Recovery Conference Overview

The two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk focuses on coordinating international economic and defense aid for Kyiv. While Prime Minister Tusk inaugurated the event, high-level Ukrainian representation changed, with President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife canceling their attendance.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha also stayed away, citing a desire to avoid politicizing the international event. Similar conferences have been held previously in Rome, Berlin, London, and Lugano to bolster support for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and economic investment.

Strained Relations and Historical Disputes

The conference follows escalating tensions between Poland and Ukraine, primarily triggered by President Zelensky’s decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after UPA heroes. This move faced sharp criticism from Polish leadership, including Donald Tusk and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

In response to the diplomatic rift, Karol Nawrocki announced on June 19 the decision to strip Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle. The Ukrainian president reportedly returned the honor in response to the controversy.