Kyiv: In a strong show of solidarity with a war-torn neighbor, Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Kyiv on Friday morning, marking what could be one of his final high-level foreign visits before completing his presidential term in August. The visit underlines Poland's continued commitment to Ukraine amid its prolonged battle against Russian aggression, now in its fourth year.
President Duda traveled via the now-familiar "iron diplomacy" route a secure train passage from Poland into the Ukrainian capital, necessitated by ongoing threats to Ukrainian airspace. At the Kyiv railway station, he was welcomed by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who described Duda as "a true friend of Ukraine" and praised Poland’s unwavering backing since the early days of the invasion.
This trip comes at a politically sensitive time, both in Warsaw and Kyiv. While Duda has long been one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters within the European Union and NATO, his presidency is nearing its end. His successor, President-elect Karol Nawrocki, is expected to continue offering aid to Ukraine, but has publicly voiced his opposition to the country joining NATO a key aspiration of Kyiv’s current leadership.
During the visit, President Duda is expected to hold private talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ongoing defense cooperation, humanitarian support, and Poland’s role in lobbying for Ukraine within European political and security institutions. Analysts view the visit as both symbolic and strategic a reminder of Poland's pivotal role in aiding Ukraine while signaling continuity even as leadership transitions in Warsaw.
Kyiv officials are particularly focused on maintaining strong bilateral ties with Poland, which has provided significant military hardware, logistical support, and served as a gateway for international aid since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Duda’s visit reaffirms the frontline diplomatic alliance between the two nations at a time when international attention to the war has shown signs of fatigue.
With the battlefield situation in eastern Ukraine deteriorating and global focus shifting elsewhere, the visit also serves as a reminder of the enduring urgency of Ukraine’s plight. While concrete policy shifts may await the incoming Polish administration, Duda’s presence in Kyiv sends a clear message: Poland stands with Ukraine in war, in recovery, and in rebuilding.