Important appeal from Ukraine, PiS decision, and explosions in Crimea. This happened overnight
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha thanked Poles for opposing escalating tensions and expressed hope for future relations.
- The appeal comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned Poland's highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle.
- Poland experienced severe storms, with nearly 900 emergency interventions by firefighters, while explosions were reported in Crimea.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed gratitude to the Polish people for their stance against escalating tensions between the two nations, emphasizing a shared commitment to maintaining good neighborly relations. His message, posted on social media, acknowledged the support from Polish citizens, stating, "We see you and deeply appreciate your support. For many Ukrainians, this gives hope for the future of our good-neighborly relations."
Sybiha's appeal is a direct response to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to return Poland's Order of the White Eagle. Zelenskyy had received the highest Polish state decoration, but his subsequent action to send it back to Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance, signaled a significant diplomatic rift. The Ukrainian minister highlighted the complex history and shared future of both nations, noting the common threat posed by "our eternal enemy โ Moscow."
I want to thank every citizen of Poland who took a clear stance against the escalation of tensions with Ukraine. We are fully committed to the same approach. We see you and deeply appreciate your support. For many Ukrainians, this gives hope for the future of our good-neighborly relations.
In domestic Polish news, the country faced severe weather conditions. Firefighters responded to nearly 900 interventions due to storms, with the Lower Silesian Voivodeship being particularly affected. The situation prompted emergency services to be on high alert across several regions.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of explosions on the Crimean Peninsula, which is currently occupied by Russia. Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked a fuel terminal in Kerch, causing a large fire. The incidents led to the suspension of traffic on the Crimean Bridge and the declaration of an air raid alert in several locations. Russia also conducted a missile attack on Poltava in central Ukraine, resulting in casualties.
Our nations are wise; we can always find a way out of a difficult situation. We are bound by a complex history, a common future, and the threat from our eternal enemy โ Moscow.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.