Gdansk: Ukraine will be represented by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko at this week's Ukraine Recovery Conference in the Polish city of Gdansk, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stays away from the event amid growing diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The conference, scheduled for June 25 and 26, is expected to bring together political leaders, international financial institutions, investors and business representatives from around the world to discuss the long term reconstruction of Ukraine. The gathering comes as Ukraine continues to face the devastating impact of Russia's invasion while also planning for future economic recovery and development.
Organisers say the conference will focus on attracting investment, strengthening economic partnerships and securing financial support for rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged during the war. Energy facilities, transport networks, housing projects and public services are expected to be among the key areas of discussion.
The decision for Svyrydenko to lead the Ukrainian delegation instead of Zelenskyy comes at a sensitive time in relations between Ukraine and Poland. The two countries have been close allies since the start of Russia's full scale invasion in 2022, with Poland providing significant military, political and humanitarian support to Ukraine. However, recent disagreements over historical issues have created fresh strains in their relationship.
The latest dispute centres on differing views about the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, known as the UPA, which operated during the Second World War. While many Ukrainians regard the group as part of their struggle for independence, many Poles associate it with the killing of Polish civilians during wartime massacres. The issue returned to the spotlight after a Ukrainian military unit was linked to the historical movement, triggering criticism in Poland.
Tensions increased further when Polish President Karol Nawrocki withdrew a prestigious state honour that had previously been awarded to Zelenskyy. Ukrainian officials strongly criticised the decision, while some Ukrainian figures returned honours they had received from Poland in protest. The exchange marked one of the most serious diplomatic disagreements between the two countries since the beginning of the war.
Despite the dispute, leaders on both sides have attempted to prevent the disagreement from affecting broader cooperation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed the decision for Zelenskyy not to attend the conference, saying it would help keep the focus on economic cooperation and Ukraine's future reconstruction rather than political controversy.
International observers note that both countries continue to share important strategic interests. Poland remains a key route for military supplies and humanitarian aid entering Ukraine, while both governments continue to support efforts to counter Russian aggression in the region.
The recovery conference is expected to showcase major reconstruction projects and encourage new commitments from governments and private investors. International financial organisations have also announced plans to support Ukraine's rebuilding efforts. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has indicated that it expects to sign projects worth more than 500 million euros during the conference period, reflecting continued international confidence in Ukraine's recovery plans.
Analysts say the conference will serve as an important test of Ukraine's ability to attract long term investment despite the ongoing conflict. They also believe it offers an opportunity for Kyiv and Warsaw to demonstrate that their partnership remains strong even as they navigate difficult historical issues.
As delegates gather in Gdansk, attention will remain focused not only on Ukraine's immediate wartime needs but also on the enormous challenge of rebuilding a country that has suffered widespread destruction. The conference is expected to underline the message that Ukraine's future recovery will require sustained international cooperation, investment and political support for many years to come.