"We have always been grateful to Poland. There must be no hostility between us," Zelensky said in an interview with Polish public media outlets on Friday, following his meetings with top officials in Warsaw.
“Russia very much wants the Polish-Ukrainian alliance to be destroyed," he told public broadcaster Polish Radio, state television TVP and state news agency PAP.
Zelensky was in the Polish capital for talks with President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in what he described as a “very important” visit.
It was his first visit to Poland since Nawrocki took office in early August.
Zelensky said he speaks frequently with Tusk and discussed with him Ukraine’s military, financial and diplomatic needs, as well as prospects for a future peace agreement with Russia.
The Ukrainian leader welcomed a decision by European Union leaders this week to provide Ukraine with a EUR 90 billion loan for the next two years, partly backed by frozen Russian assets.
He said the move strengthens Ukraine’s position and morale at a critical stage of the war.
“This decision strengthens us,” Zelensky said. “Russia counted on us being weak, at least financially. That affects the spirit of soldiers and the lives of civilians.”
Poland's Tusk said on Friday that the funding gives Kyiv "stronger cards" and urged Europe to move further toward using frozen Russian assets.
Zelensky said holding Russia financially accountable is not only an economic issue, but also a moral and legal one.
"Russia must bear responsibility for all the evil it has brought to our land," he said, adding that the funds would eventually be used to rebuild Ukraine.
"Russia must bear responsibility for all the evil it has brought to our land," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Warsaw on Friday, telling Polish public media in an interview that holding Russia financially accountable is not only an economic issue but also a moral and legal imperative. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański
Zelensky also reflected on Poland’s role since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, praising former President Andrzej Duda for his close cooperation and personal support during the war and earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We went through an incredibly difficult road together," Zelensky said. "I will never forget what he did for us, and I will never betray that friendship."
Asked about relations with Nawrocki, Zelensky said the two leaders held lengthy talks and were working to build mutual understanding. "I would very much like what we have built so far not to be ruined under any circumstances," he said.
Nawrocki has said he conveyed to Zelensky that some Poles feel Poland’s extensive support for Ukraine "has not always been sufficiently appreciated."
Zelensky responded by stressing unity and caution in rhetoric.
“If we were careless, we really could destroy this alliance,” he said. “It is crucial for Europe’s survival and for Poland’s security.”
Zelensky also addressed sensitive historical issues between the two countries, saying progress was being made on exhumations and commemorations of past victims. He said Ukraine was not blocking such processes and that both sides should show mutual respect.
“Our shared history has tragic moments, but also many that unite us,” he said, arguing that Ukraine’s resistance has helped prevent Russian forces from threatening Poland’s borders.
Turning to Russia, Zelensky sharply criticised President Vladimir Putin after the Russian leader again denied responsibility for the war. Zelensky said Putin lies to justify the invasion to his own population and warned against taking his statements at face value.
“He said he would not occupy Crimea, and then he did. He said he would not start a full-scale war, and he did,” Zelensky said. “When he says today that he is not guilty, he is guilty 100 percent.”
Zelensky said Ukraine was pressing ahead with talks with the United States and European partners on security guarantees and reconstruction, though he declined to give details.
He said Kyiv is seeking strong assurances to deter any renewed Russian aggression.
On the question of wartime elections, Zelensky said he was not clinging to power but added that holding free and safe elections during an active war would be extremely difficult.
"People are afraid," he said. "No one knows how to organize elections safely and fairly under constant bombardment."
Asked what peace would mean personally, Zelensky said his first day would be devoted to family and remembrance.
“We will remember those who gave their lives so that we could continue living,” he said.
“And in the first moments after the war ends, everyone will begin rebuilding Ukraine," he added.
(gs)
Source: polskieradio24.pl, IAR, PAP