Zelenskyy notes improvement in Ukrainian-Polish relations

What Happened

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine's relations with Poland 'have indeed improved', answering questions from journalists online, as reported by European Pravda. He expressed gratitude to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the Polish people, and stated: 'There is only one enemy – Russia, which is deeply concerned about a strong alliance between Ukraine and Poland.' Zelenskyy added that both countries need to strengthen relations and resolve difficult issues calmly, calling for mutually beneficial ties due to the importance of European security. According to the article, on 14 October Zelenskyy departed for an overseas trip from Rzeszów Airport for the first time since the dispute over the Order of the White Eagle. The article reports that relations deteriorated in late May and early June when Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle over the naming of a Ukrainian military unit in honour of Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) heroes. On 7 June, Zelenskyy flew to the UK via Chişinău Airport in Moldova after previously using Rzeszów regularly; subsequent trips departed from Moldova or Romania until late July, when he landed in Lublin for a meeting with Donald Tusk.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Improved Ukrainian-Polish relations matter because Poland is a frontline NATO state and a key transit hub for Western military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Restoring use of Rzeszów Airport for presidential travel signals reduced friction after the UPA naming dispute and could bolster coordination on European security against Russia. Conversely, unresolved historical disputes risk undermining a critical alliance on NATO's eastern flank.

Watch For

Monitor further Ukrainian presidential travel via Polish airports, statements from Donald Tusk or Karol Nawrocki on bilateral ties, any resolution of the UPA memorial dispute, and joint military or security initiatives. Also watch whether Russian officials respond to the improved alliance, as Zelenskyy claimed Russia is deeply concerned.