Polish and Ukrainian organizations call on both governments to hold dialogue amid rising tensions
The authors of the appeal stress that since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, thousands of Poles and Ukrainians have joined efforts to help those affected by the war. This includes:
The letter notes that this shared unity and solidarity has proven that cooperation between the two nations can be stronger than fear, distrust, and attempts to divide them.
At the same time, the signatories expressed concern over increasing political conflicts and disputes between Poland and Ukraine. In their view, differences in opinions, interests, or interpretations of historical events should not undermine the mutual trust and friendship that millions of people have built in recent years.
The statement emphasizes that any divisions, misunderstandings, and mutual accusations between Ukrainians and Poles could be exploited by Russia. According to the authors of the letter, such processes weaken the unity of the free world and the joint efforts aimed at ensuring Europe's security and achieving peace.
Representatives of civil society organizations called on the authorities of both countries to seek opportunities for understanding rather than reasons for new conflicts. They stressed that behind political decisions stand millions of citizens who want to live in safety, stability, and mutual respect.
"Our peoples today need wisdom, responsibility, and cooperation more than ever before. We believe that the future of Poland and Ukraine must be based on partnership, mutual trust, respect, and solidarity. We call on both sides to take actions that will strengthen friendship between our nations, not weaken it.
We will not allow divisions to prevail where solidarity has triumphed. Together we were strong. Together we are strong. Together we can be even stronger," the letter states.
Among the first organizations to support the document are more than twenty Polish and Ukrainian associations, including:
The appeal remains open to all Polish and Ukrainian foundations, associations, non-governmental organizations, academic communities, youth organizations, representatives of local governments, and public figures who support the idea of dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity between Poland and Ukraine.
It is noted that the appeal was published against the backdrop of rising tensions in relations between Poland and Ukraine, caused by a series of political and societal disputes.
It should be recalled that on April 5, 2023, Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi with the Order of the White Eagle — the highest state decoration of Poland — during Zelenskyi's visit to Warsaw.
On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to revoke Volodymyr Zelenskyi's Order of the White Eagle. The reason cited was Ukraine's decision to assign the honorary name "Heroes of the UPA" to one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As reported, this decision caused a new escalation of tensions in Ukrainian-Polish relations. Warsaw reacted negatively to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decree naming a unit of the Special Operations Forces after "Heroes of the UPA." In Poland, this step was interpreted as honoring individuals whom they associate with crimes against the Polish population.
In response, several Ukrainian officials previously declined Polish state awards, including the Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, former Presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko, former Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, and former Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Zvarych.
Later, Volodymyr Zelenskyi sent his Order back to the Polish president by mail, stating that Ukraine would "not argue" with Poland's decision, while expressing hope that "the future will confirm respect for Ukrainians."
At the same time, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that President Karol Nawrocki's decision to revoke Zelensky's award could be beneficial for Russia and had caused surprise among Poland's allies.
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25 of June 2026
