Poland and Ukraine ‘Must Stride Shoulder to Shoulder’, Says Zelenskyy as Poles Mark Independence Day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated Poles on their Independence Day, saying Poland and Ukraine must “stride shoulder to shoulder” in Europe to defend freedom.

Zelenskyy joined a chorus of international leaders who sent congratulations to Poland as the nation celebrated the 107th anniversary of regaining independence on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, Thomas Rose, conveyed President Donald Trump’s best wishes, while the presidents of Lithuania and Latvia also congratulated Warsaw.

“Heartfelt congratulations to all Poles, President of Poland Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk on the National Independence Day,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X.

He added: “The path we have traversed shows that to preserve our independence and strength, independent Poland and independent Ukraine must stride shoulder to shoulder.“

We deeply appreciate all the support since February 24, 2022. And we must be strong, we must be in Europe, so that others in Europe can also stand tall and free.”

Thanking Zelenskyy, Poland’s Donald Tusk wrote on X: “Thank you very much, Mr. President! Heartfelt thanks! Long live the independent Republic! Glory to Ukraine!”

Warsaw is one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies as it continues to fend off Russian aggression. Poland also serves as a major logistics hub for Western military aid bound for Ukraine.

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Poland regained its independence on November 11, 1918, with the end of World War I. The country’s renewed statehood followed more than 120 years of being partitioned between Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary.