Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced preparations for the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC-2026), set to take place in Gdańsk on June 25. In a Tuesday evening address, he emphasized the importance of constructive relations with Poland and expressed gratitude to all partners involved in the conference.
Zelensky confirmed that Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will lead the Ukrainian delegation. Svyrydenko had previously stated that the team aims to secure specific agreements to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and economic cooperation with its allies.
According to a recent OECD report, Ukraine will require approximately $587.7 billion over the next decade for infrastructure recovery.
Initially, President Zelensky was expected to attend the conference, but his participation became uncertain following tensions with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. On June 19, Nawrocki announced that Zelensky would be stripped of the Order of the White Eagle due to his decree naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Nawrocki noted that many in Polish society view the UPA as responsible for atrocities committed against Polish citizens during World War II.
On June 20, Zelensky sent the Order of the White Eagle back to Nawrocki via Nova Poshta, stating that Ukraine remains thankful for Poland’s support and open to further collaboration.
In an interview with TCN, Zelensky characterized Nawrocki’s decision as a matter of internal political struggle, a claim the Polish president has denied, asserting that the dispute does not stem from domestic political issues.
As Ukraine gears up for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, tensions with Poland have escalated following President Zelensky's controversial military naming decree. Despite these challenges, Ukraine seeks to strengthen defense and economic ties with its partners.