Ukraine’s Independence Day: Polish Leaders Pledge Support as Zelenskyy Defies Russian Aggression

As Ukraine marks its Independence Day on Monday, Polish leaders Donald Tusk and Radosław Sikorski reaffirm their steadfast solidarity, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vows that the nation will never surrender to Russian imperialism.

Polish Leadership Reaffirms Support for Ukraine

“We, Poles, know what it means to pay the highest price for independence. We know what the words ‘For our freedom and yours’ mean. And that is why the Polish Nation is today, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, with all its heart with the fighting Ukrainian Nation,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on Monday on the X platform.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski also addressed the Ukrainian holiday, stating that Poland is proud to be the first country in the world, alongside Canada, to recognize Ukraine’s independence. He paid tribute to the heroes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and warned that Russian imperialism poses a threat to all of Europe.

Historical Significance and International Meetings in Kyiv

August 24 marks Ukraine’s Independence Day for the 35th time. The former USSR republic became an independent state on August 24, 1991, when the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in Kyiv adopted the Act of Independence.

On Monday, a meeting of representatives of the so-called coalition of the willing—a group of countries supporting Ukraine—is taking place in Kyiv. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa have already arrived in Kyiv, while Poland is represented by Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who is participating in the deliberations remotely.

Emphasizing the historical context, Ukrainian history professor Yaroslav Hrycak noted in an interview with Wyborcza.pl that in 1991 Poland recognized Ukraine and sent a clear signal of alliance in what he described as a geopolitical miracle.

President Zelenskyy on Resilience and Putin’s Miscalculations

“Right now it is really very hard for us all. But there is a force that holds our hand tightly and is not invisible at all. It is the strength of our common circle: support for each other, no doubt about the person next to us, faith in all Ukrainians,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his Monday Independence Day address.

Zelenskyy asserted that in all his plans regarding Ukraine, Putin made the most crucial mistake by counting resources and equipment while ignoring the people—the greatest achievement of Ukraine’s independence. He highlighted that Ukraine has overcome challenges once thought impossible, now shooting down over 90 percent of incoming drones.

Rejecting Compromise and Addressing Russian Intentions

According to the Ukrainian president, Vladimir Putin remains stuck in the past, viewing Ukraine through outdated reports as a silent observer rather than a fighting player. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not allow anyone to deceive Europe and the world into believing that simply giving up the Donbas will bring a swift end to the conflict.

Declaring that Russia wants mobilization rather than peace, Zelenskyy stated that Putin hopes the Ukrainian people are tired, but stressed that the Russian leader is mortal and has never truly understood Ukraine.