Ukraine Recovery Conference proceeds in Poland despite Zelenskyy's absence amid diplomatic spat

Gdańsk, Poland is hosting the prestigious Ukraine Recovery Conference, an event focused on the political, social, and economic aspects of Ukraine's reconstruction. Approximately 70 international delegations and representatives from global financial institutions are participating, with over 200 agreements and letters of intent expected to be signed over two days.

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The Ukrainian side is jointly inviting to this event with us, and the Ukrainian side decides who leads the delegation.

The conference's prominence has been amplified by a recent escalation in tensions between Poland and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy canceled his confirmed attendance following a dispute over the naming of a unit of Ukrainian special services after "UPA Heroes." This decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to revoke an award previously given to Zelenskyy led to the diplomatic row.

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This decision, from our point of view, is a decision that shifts the focus of the conference somewhat from politics to the economy and practical aspects, and we welcome it with joy.

Despite Zelenskyy's absence, organizers are maintaining a positive outlook. Paweł Kowal, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee and plenipotentiary for Ukraine's Reconstruction, stated that the conference will proceed as planned. He noted that Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is leading the Ukrainian delegation, emphasizing that the Ukrainian side determines its representation. Kowal suggested that Zelenskyy's absence shifts the conference's focus more towards economic and practical aspects of reconstruction, a move welcomed by the organizers.

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Honestly, it would be difficult for you to find another international delegation here that includes a prime minister and at least three deputy prime ministers, as well as representatives of parliament and business.

Kowal also addressed concerns about the impact of the Polish-Ukrainian dispute on Polish companies involved in Ukraine's rebuilding. He indicated that while difficult emotions are part of the bilateral relationship, the conference aims to present a full picture, highlighting both the differences in historical perspectives and the numerous positive projects underway. He suggested that the current situation might paradoxically help the conference by underscoring the many positive aspects of cooperation.

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There was a lot about difficult emotions, they are also part of Polish-Ukrainian relations, I think we have clearly defined in the last two weeks how much we differ on the assessment of parts of World War II history. But perhaps this paradoxically helps this conference, because it shows how many things are positive, how many projects are underway. This conference shows the full picture, both interest.