Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the recent change in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s travel plans, noting that Zelensky opted for a flight through Chișinău rather than the usual route via Rzeszów, Poland.
“President Zelensky is utilizing different options than Rzeszów, and that’s all there is to it. I won’t dictate to him where or how he should fly. Rzeszów was not closed,” Tusk stated. His comments came in response to speculation that Poland might have restricted access to the airport to influence Zelensky’s decision regarding the honorary naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Heroes of the UPA.
Tusk also commented on Poland’s absence from Zelensky’s meeting with leaders of the E3 countries—Britain, France, and Germany. He emphasized that Warsaw is an essential player in discussions about Ukraine’s future and regional stability, asserting that Poland will not recognize any agreements made without its involvement.
He announced plans for a forthcoming meeting involving Poland and Italy, indicating that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shares concerns about the E3 format. Tusk confirmed that he looks forward to welcoming Zelensky at the upcoming International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, scheduled for June 25-26 in Gdańsk.
Amid the ongoing tensions regarding the UPA, Tusk urged both Zelensky and Polish President Karol Nawrocki to engage in direct talks, stressing that the conflict between the two nations benefits only Moscow.
Meanwhile, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski opposed the idea of stripping Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, reminding critics that the order is still held by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who has financial ties to Russia.
The European Commission has stated that the bilateral conflict between Ukraine and Poland should not hinder Kyiv’s path toward European integration, with the first negotiation cluster set to open on June 15.
Tusk has assured that he will not leverage Poland’s support for Ukraine’s EU aspirations amid the UPA controversy but emphasized that such support will come with conditions that are “European, secure, and beneficial for Poland.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent flight route change and emphasized Poland's crucial role in regional negotiations. Tusk also called for direct dialogue between the two nations to resolve ongoing tensions, while reaffirming Poland's commitment to supporting Ukraine's European integration.