Zelensky Meets Tusk in Lublin, First Poland Visit Since Diplomatic Fallout

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Lublin on Wednesday, July 29, marking his first trip to Poland since the historical dispute over a military unit’s title strained ties between the two countries earlier in June.Zelensky detailed the meeting in a statement on Telegram, saying the talks covered bilateral relations, defense cooperation, and the safety of Ukrainians seeking refuge in Poland amid Russia’s full-scale invasion.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.Zelensky said “protecting our cities and communities from brutal Russian strikes” remains a top priority, with anti-ballistic defense standing out as the most urgent.“Our cooperation strengthens both our region and all of Europe,” Zelensky continued, adding that “Ukraine’s security and protection also mean Poland’s security and protection.”A visit clouded by months of tensionsThe Lublin meeting comes after weeks of strained relations between Kyiv and Warsaw, triggered by Ukraine’s decision to grant an unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA,” a reference to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which Poland blames for the mass killings of Polish civilians in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia during and after World War II.Critics have framed the dispute as ultimately serving Russia’s interests, arguing that the focus should shift from historical grievances to the present threat Moscow poses to NATO and Europe, rather than allowing old wounds to divide them. Other Topics of Interest 5 Things to Know About the Russia Sanctions Bill: Looks Tough, Lots of Carve-Outs Baked In The law makes two giant economies not super worried about US sanctions – India and China – the bad guys. Also, for the sanctions to work, Trump has to want to enforce them. Wednesday’s meeting confirmed both sides are working to move past the diplomatic fallout. On July 17, Zelensky announced a five-point plan aimed at strengthening ties with Poland, pledging to grant the country access to Volhynia files.Defense and refugee on the agendaZelensky said he briefed Tusk on the outcome of recent diplomatic engagements in Washington, during which he met President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on Tuesday, July 28. He discussed Patriot missile production with Trump, focusing mainly on the Washington-granted license which would allow Ukraine to manufacture the systems domestically.Around the same time on Tuesday, Zelensky announced discussions on joint weapons production with Lockheed Martin. On July 23, joint cooperation with Raytheon was unveiled as well. However, no specific timeline for launching production was given, nor were further details about the proposed arrangement disclosed.Beyond military matters, Zelensky said the leaders addressed the wellbeing of Ukrainian refugees living in Poland. “It is important that Ukrainians who left their homes and found shelter in Poland feel safe,” he wrote.Hate crimes surge amid diplomatic falloutFollowing the dispute between Kyiv and Warsaw, hate crimes against Ukrainians living in Poland have increased. Several attacks were recorded in recent weeks, including an assault on a couple and separate incidents involving teenagers targeted on multiple occasions.The rise in hostility comes as a new poll suggests eroding Polish support for Ukraine on several fronts.According to a survey conducted Wednesday, July 29, 52% of Poles oppose backing Ukraine’s bid for European Union membership, while 65% reject the idea of sending Polish troops to help oversee a postwar ceasefire.On military aid tied specifically to the UPA dispute, opinion is more evenly split – 44% favored suspending support over the row, compared with 41% who wanted assistance to continue. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.