{"id":3773,"date":"2026-04-26T09:18:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T07:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/?p=3773"},"modified":"2026-05-10T23:15:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T21:15:42","slug":"four-years-of-ukraines-resistance-to-russias-full-scale-aggression-poland-has-consistently-supported-ukraine-in-its-fight-for-freedom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/four-years-of-ukraines-resistance-to-russias-full-scale-aggression-poland-has-consistently-supported-ukraine-in-its-fight-for-freedom\/","title":{"rendered":"Four years of Ukraine\u2019s resistance to Russia\u2019s full-scale aggression. Poland has consistently supported Ukraine in its fight for freedom"},"content":{"rendered":"

An interview with H.E. Vasyl Bodnar, Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland, on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the full-scale war.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

It has been four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From the embassy\u2019s perspective, how would you assess today the extent of the support Ukraine has received from Poland \u2013 both during the first, dramatic days of the war and in the years that followed?<\/strong><\/p>\n

First, I would like to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to give this interview and to thank Poland for all the support it has shown Ukraine from the start of the war until today. Opening doors and hearts to millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge from the Russian war saved many lives and gave them the chance to start a new chapter \u2013 whether in Poland or in other countries. Today, they are repaying that kindness by working and contributing to the economic development of the countries where they live, including Poland. According to Deloitte\u2019s calculations in a study conducted in collaboration with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the added value of the presence of refugees from Ukraine to the Polish economy is equivalent to 2.7% of GDP, or roughly 85 billion zlotys, not including taxes or health and social security contributions.<\/p>\n

Currently, nearly two million Ukrainian citizens reside in Poland. About one million arrived before Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion and have largely integrated into Polish society. The other million are war refugees, most of whom are registered in the UKR-PESEL system. According to data from NGOs and government institutions, over 70% of them are employed, supporting the economy.<\/p>\n

The third aspect of this support is the recent mobilisation of the Polish public. This occurred at a time when Russia was attempting to turn the harsh winter into a weapon of war \u2013 deliberately attacking Ukraine\u2019s energy infrastructure, including power plants, combined heat and power plants, and transmission networks, to deprive city residents of electricity, heat, and water during severe cold snaps when temperatures dropped below -25\u00b0C. It was precisely under these difficult conditions that an initiative by foundations, civil society organisations, and opinion leaders emerged under the name \u201cWarmth from Poland to Kyiv\u201d. This was followed by further campaigns; funds were also collected in churches, and ordinary Poles donated their generators. For Ukrainians, this was incredibly important \u2013 not just for the ability to stay warm thanks to the donated generators and heating devices, but also for the sense of solidarity and support it conveyed. It was a true expression of empathy from the Polish people, demonstrating how society can mobilise in response to human tragedy..<\/p>\n

Could you share some specific examples of grassroots initiatives in Poland that have particularly stood out to Ukrainian diplomats in recent months?<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most important was, of course, the aforementioned social initiative by Polish foundations, which organised a collection as part of the \u201cWarmth from Poland to Kyiv\u201d campaign. We are extremely grateful for it. Representatives of these organisations later came to Kyiv and met with government officials there. It was a very important gesture of solidarity and tangible assistance. Other examples include initiatives carried out with the support of the government and public organisations, involving the delivery of various types of equipment and supplies needed by Ukraine. This also demonstrates the scale of commitment from Polish society and institutions.<\/p>\n

What is especially moving is how this aid extended even to churches. In parishes throughout Poland, collections were organised during Masses, with the proceeds directed towards supporting Ukraine. The sheer scale of this assistance was remarkable and, in numerous instances, matched that of major nationwide campaigns.<\/p>\n

These endeavours also inspired other nations. I won\u2019t deny that Ukrainian diplomats highlighted them abroad, stressing how Poland was once more leading by example in global solidarity. In essence, we helped propel this vast social movement, enabling Ukraine to endure that winter\u2019s harshest phase. We urged other countries: \u201cLook to Poland, emulate her lead, and aid as generously as possible.\u201d Poland has illustrated the extraordinary power of civil society \u2013 even amid prolonged war and political frictions \u2013 when human life holds paramount value.<\/p>\n

I still recall my student days, arriving in Poland in 1997 just after the great flood. That was when I first witnessed Poles\u2019 remarkable ability to rally and deliver grassroots aid to the afflicted. For us \u2013 a post-Soviet society reliant on top-down directives and unfamiliar with such bottom-up efforts \u2013 it proved transformative. Largely, it was from Poles that we absorbed this liberty of mind and initiative. That liberty later echoed in our own upheavals\u2014from the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity to the civic surge defending our homeland against Russian aggression.<\/p>\n

This underscores Ukraine\u2019s place within the European family, where grassroots civic action is vital. Poland stands as a frontrunner here, exemplifying empathetic, open, and united conduct. No wonder \u201csolidarity\u201d evokes Poland \u2013 and today, it manifests through tangible deeds and campaigns.<\/p>\n

Poland has been providing military and political support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. How do you assess today, after four years, the role of the Polish government in building an international coalition to support Ukraine?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Right from the war\u2019s outset, Poland exhibited true leadership in forging global backing for Ukraine. This shone through in the conflict\u2019s early months \u2013 from supplying the initial tanks that aided Kyiv\u2019s defence and frontline stabilisation, to forming wider international coalitions. Poland co-founded the so-called \u201ctank coalition\u201d alongside numerous other military partnerships.<\/p>\n

Logistics infrastructure played a pivotal role too. Poland emerged as the primary hub channelling military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This facilitated swift, efficient deliveries of gear, munitions, and vital supplies. Today, Poland stays a key player in global efforts, including the \u201ccoalition of the willing\u201d \u2013 nations committed to sustaining Ukraine\u2019s support and debating long-term security assurances.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s geopolitical landscape, with global focus shifting to the Middle East, reveals security\u2019s truly worldwide stakes. Consider Iran\u2019s notable involvement, furnishing Russia with tech, kit, and drones deployed against Ukraine. These drones now threaten civilians and energy grids most acutely. Strikes on urban areas, power stations, and civilian sites reveal evolving modern warfare.<\/p>\n

It bears emphasising that Ukraine fights for the aggressor\u2019s withdrawal, restoring enduring peace and security to our sovereign land \u2013 not perpetual conflict. Peace is our objective: compelling the aggressor to genuine talks and war\u2019s end. No nation craves peace more than Ukraine, yet it cannot entail appeasing invasion. History warns that yielding to aggressors invites escalation. On 11 March this year marked one year since the Jeddah accords (Saudi Arabia), where Ukraine and the US offered Russia a complete ceasefire. Russia has rejected every peace-advancing step. Hence, sustained pressure on Russia is crucial \u2013 via military aid stabilising Ukraine\u2019s lines, sanctions, and curbing its war-funding capacity.<\/p>\n

Numerous nations pour vast resources into missile defence like Patriot, vital against ballistic threats. Meanwhile, the world is just starting to master defences against swarm drone assaults.<\/p>\n

Yet, ironically, Ukraine\u2019s expertise countering contemporary threats offers unparalleled lessons for others. We stand ready to impart it. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared openness to partnerships, sharing know-how as security unites us all.<\/p>\n

Here, Poland\u2019s contribution stays vital \u2013 not just steadfastly backing Ukraine, but sustaining worldwide focus on Russia\u2019s war, linking European safety to global equilibrium.<\/p>\n

In the face of the prolonged war, have the priorities in cooperation with the Polish government changed \u2013 and if so, in which areas the most?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ukraine-Poland ties evolve dynamically and across multiple fronts, rooted in mutual interests and principles. A hallmark is the deepening governmental dialogue, nurturing a constructive bilateral climate.<\/p>\n

A landmark was President Volodymyr Zelenskyy\u2019s Warsaw visit on 19 December last year. Equally fruitful were discussions with President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Sejm and Senate engagements at diverse levels proved equally significant. Prime Minister Donald Tusk\u2019s 5 February Kyiv trip this year advanced this further. There, a pivotal document was inked, unlocking defence-sector prospects.<\/p>\n

Equally noteworthy was the fourth-anniversary visit to Kyiv by Sejm Speaker W\u0142odzimierz Czarzasty and Deputy PM\/Foreign Minister Rados\u0142aw Sikorski amid Russia\u2019s full-scale assault. These summits built impetus for sustained talks between Minister Sybiha and Deputy PM Sikorski, tasked with bilateral and global ties. They enable tackling pressing matters with domestic resonance for both \u2013 spanning agriculture, metallurgy, and beyond.<\/p>\n

Tailored, harmonious cooperation formats adeptly tackle challenges. Consider border blockades: rife in 2023 and into 2024, they\u2019ve dwindled markedly in 2025. Not from absent issues, but direct dialogue supplanting media sparring. Governments back ministries, farmers, and producers in platforms for real-time info-sharing and issue resolution. Truly, joint advancement beckons in realms vital to Polish and Ukrainian communities alike.<\/p>\n

Of course, tensions sometimes arise around individual statements or decisions, which may lead to unexpected and undesirable effects. However, in my view, by 2025 a more structured and stable dialogue will already have been established. We have reached a stage at which we are jointly organising events and initiatives that could, in the future, pave the way for major joint projects \u2013 similar to those implemented during Euro 2012.<\/p>\n

Are there ongoing discussions regarding the involvement of Polish companies and state institutions in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, and what are their prospects?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A few years ago, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that those who come first to help will be the first to take part in rebuilding Ukraine. Poland holds a special position in this regard, as it was one of the first countries to provide Ukraine with multidimensional support and has strong potential to participate in projects related to Ukraine\u2019s future reconstruction. This stems not only from political decisions, but also from geography, the shared border, close ties between our societies, and Poles\u2019 strong understanding of Ukrainian realities.<\/p>\n

In practice, such efforts have already begun. In recent years, several visits by Polish delegations to Ukraine have taken place. One of the largest occurred in June 2025 \u2013 a sizeable delegation of representatives from business, public administration, and parliament, accompanied by the Minister of Economic Development and the government plenipotentiary for cooperation with Ukraine, Pawe\u0142 Kowal. Even at that stage, discussions focused on several key areas of cooperation that are particularly attractive for Polish companies. These include infrastructure, logistics, energy, the development of border regions, as well as solutions related to security and national defence.<\/p>\n

An important step was also the signing \u2013 last October \u2013 of an agreement concerning the operations of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego in Ukraine, which was subsequently ratified in March by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. This institution is intended to support Polish companies in conducting business activities in Ukraine and participating in reconstruction projects, including through financing, guarantees, and other support instruments. Other institutions are also involved in this process, such as the Polish Investment and Trade Agency. According to its leadership, around 3,500 Polish companies have expressed interest in participating in projects related to Ukraine\u2019s reconstruction.<\/p>\n

We are also currently preparing for an important international event \u2013 the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, which will take place on 25\u201326 June in Gda\u0144sk. A large number of Polish enterprises and institutions will participate, gaining the opportunity to establish business contacts and begin direct cooperation with Ukrainian partners.<\/p>\n

Cooperation is developing not only at governmental level, but also at regional and local levels. Polish and Ukrainian regions and partner cities are engaged in direct dialogue and are preparing joint development projects. Recently, a delegation from the Lower Silesia region visited the city of Dnipro, where discussions focused on opportunities for economic and investment cooperation. There is a growing number of such examples. Similar discussions also take place during international local government meetings, such as conferences in Miko\u0142ajki, where representatives of local authorities from both countries discuss concrete projects \u2013 ranging from small local investments to grant programmes for businesses.<\/p>\n

Of course, it must be remembered that the full-scale reconstruction of Ukraine will only be possible once the war has ended. Security conditions remain difficult. However, life in Ukraine continues, and many investments are already being implemented. Some companies continue to operate on the ground despite the risks \u2013 there have even been cases where company facilities have been damaged as a result of Russian attacks.<\/p>\n

That is why we are already preparing cooperation structures that can be fully utilised once the war is over. Poland has a unique role in this process \u2013 not only as Ukraine\u2019s bilateral partner, but also as a potential logistical and business hub for companies from other European and non-European countries wishing to participate in Ukraine\u2019s reconstruction. It can become an important centre for coordinating and supporting international reconstruction projects, helping companies from various countries to enter the Ukrainian market and carry out joint ventures.<\/p>\n

What message would you like to convey today to the people of Poland \u2013 both to representatives of the authorities and to ordinary citizens \u2013 in the context of the fourth anniversary of the war and the ongoing solidarity with Ukraine?<\/strong><\/p>\n

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude. Poland was, is, and \u2013 hopefully \u2013 will continue to be our key partner. I would also like to extend my warmest thanks to Polish society. The level of mobilisation and solidarity that Poles have shown, and continue to show, towards Ukraine is truly exceptional. I believe the world has rarely witnessed such a scale of support. It is precisely this dimension of humanity and social solidarity \u2013 capable of transcending political differences, competing interests, and divisions between social groups \u2013 that demonstrates that, in the face of human tragedy, empathy, responsibility for others, and the willingness to act together matter most. Both in our country and in Poland, everyone has their own views and interests, yet Poland\u2019s attitude towards Ukraine has shown that, at crucial moments, it is possible to rise above all divisions. It has also demonstrated how important not only support is, but also cooperation.<\/p>\n

Today, we have a unique opportunity that we must not waste. Perhaps for the first time in history, thanks to our cooperation, we have been able to influence the main course of geopolitical developments in Europe. For years, others made decisions and imposed conditions. Today, we can help shape this reality. Ukraine has halted the aggression, and Poland has played a significant role in helping us to do so. Together, our voice is stronger \u2013 physically, morally, and politically. Therefore, let us continue to act. Together. This also applies to Ukraine\u2019s integration with the European Union and NATO. It is in our national interest, but at the same time it is also in the interest of Poland and the entire region. Let this be a fitting conclusion to our conversation and today\u2019s meeting.<\/p>\n

Thank you very much for the interview.<\/p>\n

Ada Krzewicka<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An interview with H.E. Vasyl Bodnar, Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland, on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the full-scale war.\u00a0 It has been four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From the embassy\u2019s perspective, how would you assess today the extent of the support Ukraine has received from Poland \u2013 both during the first, dramatic days of the war and in the years that followed? First, I would like to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to give this interview and to thank Poland for all the support it has shown Ukraine from the start<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3676,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,70],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diplomacy","category-number-partner"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3773"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3774,"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3773\/revisions\/3774"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3676"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazyn-ambasador.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}