Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made efforts to mend ties with Poland on Saturday, as he sought to ease tensions resulting from a political dispute with Warsaw.
On his return from a visit to the United States and Canada, Zelenskyy presented awards to two Polish humanitarian volunteers.
Poland had been a staunch ally of Ukraine during the early stages of the Russian invasion. However, the conservative and nationalist government of the Law and Justice (PiS) party has recently taken a hard line against its war-torn neighbor, largely due to the upcoming election on October 15.
In a move aimed at protecting Polish farmers, who are crucial to the ruling party's electoral prospects, Warsaw has imposed a ban on agricultural imports from Ukraine. Kyiv has criticized this protectionist measure as illegal and has referred the matter to the World Trade Organization.
Adding to the dispute, Warsaw unexpectedly announced that it would no longer provide arms to Ukrainian forces fighting against the Russians.
In an attempt to avoid getting involved in Polish electoral politics, Zelenskyy has instead emphasized the importance of direct relations between ordinary Poles and Ukrainians. Marcin Przydacz, head of the office of international policy at the presidency, stated that Zelenskyy's visit to Poland was merely a transit stop on his way back to Kyiv and that he did not meet with any politicians.
During his visit, Zelenskyy honored two Poles who have been actively involved in assisting Ukraine. He commended journalist Bianka Zalewska from the U.S.-owned television network TVN for her efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians and transporting wounded children to Polish hospitals.
Zelenskyy also recognized combat medic Damian Duda for his work in organizing teams to treat wounded soldiers near the front line and establishing a fund to support medics and provide them with training.
Expressing his gratitude, Zelenskyy stated, "I would like to thank all of Poland for their invaluable support and solidarity, which helps to defend the freedom of our entire Europe!" These remarks were made on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Duda, who received the presidential order "For Meritorious Service" Third Class, explained that he has been working as a battlefield medic in the Ukrainian trenches since 2014. "Our work is voluntary, our work is cost-free, and I am glad that risking our lives to help another human being has been noticed by President Zelenskyy," he said.
By recognizing the contributions of these Polish volunteers, Zelenskyy aims to strengthen the bond between the two nations and emphasize the importance of solidarity in defending freedom and stability in Europe.
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