Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in Warsaw that Russia could advance militarily toward Poland and deeper into Europe if Ukraine were to lose the war. Speaking alongside Polish leaders, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s independence is not only vital for his country but also for regional and European security. “Without our independence, Moscow will inevitably move toward Poland and further into Europe,” he said, emphasizing the importance of unity between Ukraine and Poland.
“That is why it is essential that we exist, that you exist, that Ukraine and Poland exist, and that we stand together,” he added. Zelensky met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President Karol Nawrocki, and other senior officials during the visit. Poland, a member of both the European Union and NATO, shares borders with Ukraine, Russian ally Belarus, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, placing it in a strategically sensitive position. Since the start of the war, Warsaw has been one of Kyiv’s strongest supporters, providing political, military, and humanitarian assistance, while also hosting nearly one million Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict.
At the same time, relations between the two countries have not been without strain, particularly due to unresolved historical issues. Poland’s conservative president has previously called for greater recognition and concessions from Ukraine. In response, Zelensky reaffirmed Poland’s consistent support and announced Ukraine’s readiness to accelerate the exhumation of Polish victims from the Volhynia massacres of 1943 to 1945. During that period, Ukrainian nationalist forces carried out mass killings of Polish civilians, an episode that remains a painful chapter in the shared history of both nations.
Although Ukraine authorized excavation efforts months ago, progress has been slow, partly due to the ongoing war, and the issue continues to influence bilateral relations. Following their talks, both sides signaled a renewed willingness to move closer on these sensitive matters. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected claims of expansionist intentions toward Europe.
Speaking at a press conference, he stated that Russia has no plans to invade Poland or any other European country, while insisting that Russia’s security interests must be taken into account. These, he said, include opposition to NATO’s eastward expansion, an argument the Kremlin has repeatedly used to justify its invasion of Ukraine. The contrasting statements highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the deep divide over Europe’s future security architecture.
