President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement at the inaugural Carpathian 8 Summit, which brought together eight countries from the Carpathian region, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
The head of state emphasized Ukraine’s openness to discussing bilateral issues with Poland, including sensitive ones.
“We are strong neighbors and friends. We are strong partners and very open to discussing any issue. Perhaps we are sometimes very direct, but in my opinion, if we are friends, we must be open and talk about everything that is sensitive for both sides,” he said.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine and Poland must be “mature partners” and focus on issues of mutual interest.
“We are friends, and Russia is the enemy. And I think that if we begin any dialogue based on this shared understanding and common focus, then I believe we will be able to resolve everything,” the President noted.
According to him, the Carpathian Initiative could serve as one of the platforms for deepening ties between Ukraine and Poland. This includes, in particular, cooperation between governments, businesses, and young people, as well as in the fields of culture and sports.
Zelensky believes that practical cooperation will help overcome differences on specific political issues in bilateral relations.
“We sometimes have different political views on certain issues, and it’s normal to discuss them. But more joint production, more joint projects, more successful ventures, more security, and more energy—that’s good for both nations,” he said.
The president thanked Poland for the support it provided to Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war. “I have always been grateful for every aid package that Poland has provided us and for the support it has given us,” he noted.
The head of state also emphasized that Ukraine possesses unique technologies developed during the war and is ready to share them with Polish partners.
Among the areas of cooperation with Warsaw, Zelenskyy mentioned missile defense and the formation of an anti-ballistic coalition.
“We are building an anti-ballistic coalition. We will create a European anti-ballistic system—I am one hundred percent certain of this,” the President emphasized.
As previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of a new transregional initiative—the Carpathian Eight (C8).
During his visit to Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will discuss with Zelensky the possibility of Poland’s participation in the anti-ballistic coalition.
Read also: Zelensky announces EUR 1B in deals at Carpathian Eight SummitPolish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated yesterday that Poland is preparing its largest-ever military aid package for Ukraine and has no intention of reducing its support amid Russian attacks.
Poland plans to transfer several missiles for the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine as part of the next military aid package. Previously, Poland transferred several PAC-3 MSE missiles for the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
Photo: OP