Żurek Extends Unusual Wishes to Ukraine: “May No Pole Forget This”

During Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations in Warsaw, Polish officials including Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek emphasized ongoing support, border security, and the crackdown on pro-Russian hate speech.

Ukraine’s Independence Day Celebrated in Warsaw

On August 24, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, marking the 35th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the country. The former USSR republic became an independent state on August 24, 1991, when the Supreme Council in Kiev adopted the Act of Independence. Celebrations of this holiday took place, among others, at Castle Square in Warsaw.

On the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek extended specific wishes to the Ukrainian people, stating that he wished them good health and plenty of Patriot missiles.

Minister of Justice Calls for Unity and Thanks Troops

During the ceremony, the Minister of Justice took the floor to express solidarity and gratitude. Waldemar Żurek stated that he wished them victory above all, and from the bottom of his heart, entry into NATO and the European Union, which was followed by applause. He added that he hopes no one will ever let Poles and Ukrainians be divided.

The Prosecutor General emphasized his gratitude to the men and women sitting in the trenches for their heroism and sacrifice, noting that they are defending not only Ukrainian soil but also Europe from hordes from the East, proving to be extremely brave.

Appel to Poles and Crackdown on Russian Propaganda

Waldemar Żurek appealed to all Poles who opened their hearts when the war broke out not to forget those days, nor the moments when Ukrainians were welcomed with open arms on Polish soil, insisting that no Pole should ever forget this.

He also warned against Russian propaganda and violence, noting that he sees what Russian propaganda does to some Poles. As Prosecutor General, he has appointed over a hundred prosecutors across the country who, together with the police, have been actively pursuing every manifestation of hatred since February of this year.

Systemic Actions Against Aggression and Friendship

Addressing public incidents, the Prosecutor General stated that he would not wish to see scenes sometimes witnessed on television or the internet again, highlighting that those who thought they could insult, beat, or revile with impunity are led to court in handcuffs the next day and sent to detention. Systemic rather than ad-hoc measures have been taken to ensure no one destroys the mutual friendship, concluding with repeated wishes for good health and many Patriot missiles.

Statements from the Polish Government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Earlier, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated in a post on platform X that Poles know what it means to pay the highest price for independence and what the words “For your freedom and ours” mean, aligning the Polish nation wholeheartedly with the fighting Ukrainian nation on Independence Day.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski emphasized that Poland is proud to have been the first country in the world, alongside Canada, to recognize Ukraine’s independence on the same day, paying tribute to the heroes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine while noting that Russian imperialism poses a threat to all of Europe.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued English-language wishes, offering the entire Ukrainian nation perseverance, strength, a swift end to Russian aggression, and a just peace on the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine.

The ministry assured that Poland unwaveringly supports the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, emphasizing that a strong, defensible Ukraine is in the security interest of Poland and all of Europe, grounded in mutual respect and sensitivity to both states’ interests.