Warsaw sees thousands celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day as president sends message of support to Kyiv
Thousands Gather in Warsaw to Mark Ukraine’s Independence Day as Polish President Sends Message of Support
On Sunday, thousands of people filled Warsaw’s Castle Square to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day and show solidarity with the country as it continues to resist Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The demonstration, titled “Stand with Ukraine”, saw crowds waving both the yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags and Poland’s white-and-red banners. Many participants carried signs bearing the names of Ukrainians killed in the war. The gathering included a minute of silence for the fallen, as well as a rendition of Ukraine’s national anthem.
Speakers expressed gratitude to Poland for its unwavering support. Larysa Sydorenko, a diplomat from the Ukrainian embassy, thanked those who preserve Ukrainian culture and language abroad:
“Today, we Ukrainians are a great, steadfast nation. I thank all those who keep our spirit alive, even far from home.”
The event also featured the “Stand With Ukraine Awards”, initiated by Zhenya Klimakin, who praised Poland’s generosity:
“Poland has given us hundreds of stories of solidarity. These people did not abandon us in the face of war.”
Poland, home to nearly a million Ukrainian refugees and hundreds of thousands of migrants, remains one of the largest Ukrainian communities outside Ukraine.
Polish leaders also voiced support. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski posted on X:
“Stay strong, Ukraine. No more GULAG, no more Holodomor, no more Russification.”
Later that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared on social media a letter he had received from Poland’s new president, Karol Nawrocki. In the letter, Nawrocki extended heartfelt congratulations to Ukraine and pledged ongoing support:
“Poland, as a close neighbour and ally, stands by your nation in this difficult time. Your fight is not only for your own borders, but for the values of European civilisation – freedom, democracy, and human dignity.”
Zelensky responded by calling Poland a “reliable ally and strategic partner” that has demonstrated “the highest level of solidarity in the most difficult times.”
Though Nawrocki struck a tougher tone on Ukraine during his election campaign—voicing opposition to Kyiv’s EU and NATO membership and advocating policies prioritising Polish citizens—he has consistently underscored Poland’s backing for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.