Sikorski stated that Zelenskyy “would not lose his crown” if he invited Navrotskyy to the meeting.

Polish Foreign Minister expressed disagreement with Ukraine’s gratitude demands

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized President of Poland Karol Nawrocki’s demands for Ukraine to express gratitude during the war.

Radoslaw Sikorski stated that demands for recognition and apologies from Ukraine, which is in a state of war, are unacceptable. He noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky could invite a meeting with his Polish counterpart while in Poland, but enforcing it is inappropriate. Sikorski expressed these thoughts on Polish radio station RMF FM.

The program host reminded that, according to diplomatic norms, a president with less experience visits the one who has been in office longer. Sikorski responded that the war creates exceptions to customary rules. The minister expressed hope that this situation will not become a pretext for showing hostility to a country continuing to uphold its independence and defending Europe’s eastern flank.

Sikorski’s comments were a reaction to Nawrocki’s statement, which demanded symmetric relations with Ukraine and expected gratitude from Zelensky to Polish soldiers and people for their assistance. Meanwhile, the media reminded that Zelensky has repeatedly expressed gratitude to Poland for its support.

On June 28, Zelensky declared Ukraine’s intention to strengthen relations with the new Polish government and assured that Ukraine would do everything in its power. On July 1, Nawrocki expressed confidence in a future meeting with Zelensky, and on July 27, Polish ombudsman Bartłomiej Bodnar announced that Nawrocki was invited to Ukraine, and preparations for the visit were ongoing. At the end of October, Nawrocki’s representatives reminded that Zelensky should come to Warsaw if he wishes to hold a meeting.