Metodej Jilek of the Czech Republic claimed gold, while Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands took bronze.
It was Poland’s second podium finish of the Milan-Cortina Games
Earlier, Kacper Tomasiak won silver in the men’s normal hill ski jumping competition.
Semirunniy was born in Yekaterinburg in Russia's Ural Mountains and received Polish citizenship in August 2025.
He said he was pleased with the medal but slightly disappointed not to win gold.
Semirunniy moved to Poland in 2023 and has publicly condemned Russia's war in Ukraine.
Poland’s Vladimir Semirunniy poses with his Olympic silver medal after finishing second in the men’s 10,000 metres speed skating event in Milan on Friday. Photo: EPA/TERESA SUAREZ
'What a beautiful story'
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk congratulated the athlete on his medal, recalling his recent remark that Poland had welcomed him "like its own."
He added that Semirunniy had won Olympic silver “for his new homeland today.”
“What a beautiful story. Bravo, Władek!” Tusk wrote.
Polish Sports Minister Jakub Rutnicki hailed an "incredible success."
“This medal symbolises the new life, freedom and values he chose when he found his homeland in Poland. Huge congratulations and great pride,” Rutnicki wrote.
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Source: IAR, PAP, polskieradio24.pl