09:52. The issue of Ukraine’s defense is in the first place
According to the president’s press secretary, Sergei Nikiforov, a large list of topics will be discussed during today’s visit. But the issue of Ukrainian defense is a priority.
“Defense will come first, obviously. We will talk about defense, the economy, cross-border traffic, in particular railway communication, and expanding opportunities for crossing the border. We will talk a lot about the economy, both at the state level, and there will be a meeting with business. We will talk about our European affairs, sanctions. Large list of topics“, Nikiforov said.
Updated 09:05. Zelensky arrived in Poland
Initially, the arrival of the head of state was reported in the Polish media. Subsequently, this information was confirmed by the press secretary of the Ukrainian president, Sergei Nikiforov.
“Yes, the president is in Poland, he, together with the first lady, began his official visit,” Nikiforov said.
He confirmed that the program of Zelensky’s visit included negotiations with President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and the signing of bilateral documents.
The head of state will meet with representatives of Polish business as part of the Ukrainian-Polish business forum, with marshals of the Sejm and the Senate, volunteers and rescuers, as well as with mayors of cities bordering Ukraine.
“In the evening, Vladimir Zelensky will address the Poles and Ukrainians living in Poland with a big speech,” Nikiforov announced.
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It should be noted that the trip of the Ukrainian leader to the Polish capital was announced several days in advance. Earlier, he was informed about it in the office of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
Visit program
As expected, a one-day visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenskaya will begin with an official congratulation of the Polish presidential spouses in the palace in Warsaw.
Meeting with Duda
Then Vladimir Zelensky and Andrzej Duda
In particular,
in the context of how Ukraine will look after the war.
It is noteworthy that
Head of the Office of International Policy of the Polish President Marcin Przydacz.
It is expected that Volodymyr Zelensky and Andrzej Duda will tell the details of the negotiations
Meeting with Moravecki
As you know, Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also meet with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. The topics of conversation will be the situation at the front, cooperation, in particular, the expansion of border infrastructure and the export of grain from Ukraine (issues of the grain agreement).
Zelensky will meet with Ukrainians and Poles
In addition, an important purpose of the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky is to meet with the Poles and, of course, with the Ukrainians living in Poland.
As announced by Duda, the Ukrainian leader wants to say a few words to the Poles in the context of what happened over the past year – how the Poles help Ukraine, refugees at the border or take them into their homes.
The President’s meeting with Poles and Ukrainians is scheduled for today at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
Joint speech of the presidents
At 18:00 (Kyiv time at 19:00) the Royal Castle will host public speeches by the presidents of Poland and Ukraine.
According to the Polish media, the Ukrainian side sought to organize such an event, and Andrzej Duda agreed to this. However, for security reasons, the presidents will perform for a limited number of spectators.
Poles are invited to participate, as well as Ukrainians living in Poland. Large screens will be installed on Castle Square, thanks to which it will be possible to watch the speeches of the presidents.
It is expected that there, in the presence of Poles and Ukrainians, Zelensky should make a speech The leitmotif of which, as noted by Polish politicians, will be “gratitude to Poland and the Poles for the help and support of Ukraine at a difficult moment in Ukrainian history.”
Recall that in early February 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky was passing through Polish Rzeszow. He met colleague Andrzej Duda there after an international tour.
