Olena Kondratiuk at the Parliamentary Assembly in Gdańsk: Ukraine and Poland must preserve their partnership and dialogue
24 June 2026, 16:48
The 15th Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Ukraine and the Republic of Poland has convened in Gdańsk, ahead of the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026). The event was opened by the co-chairs of the Assembly: Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk and Deputy Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Monika Wielichowska.
The Assembly session is being held with the participation of Ukrainian and Polish parliamentarians and is dedicated to discussing two key topics: 'European Integration and the Reconstruction of Ukraine: A Strategic Partnership between Poland and Ukraine,' and 'Poland and Ukraine in the Face of Security Challenges: The Foundation of a New European Security Architecture.'
"Gathered here are those who seek dialogue and view it as the only path toward resolving crises. Today, our task is not to seek new points of contention, but to return to what once helped us navigate the most challenging moments," emphasized Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, at the opening of the Assembly session.
She recalled that two years ago, it was precisely the Parliamentary Assembly of Ukraine and Poland that broke the deadlock on issuing exhumation permits.
Kondratiuk noted that the historical memories of our nations were shaped differently. This is precisely why certain historical figures and events still elicit differing interpretations in Ukraine and Poland. However, every nation has the right to establish historical justice, study archives and testimonies, and conduct exploratory search operations.
"We already have experience in overcoming complex historical issues — not through political confrontation, and not through a political battle of competing historical narratives, but through search operations, exhumations, the work of historians, and continuous dialogue between our states. Rooted in partnership!" Olena Kondratiuk stated.
She expressed conviction that the formula "We forgive and ask for forgiveness," initiated by Pope John Paul II and supported by all Polish and Ukrainian presidents, can still function effectively today.
“We have every reason to preserve our relations. Ukraine and Poland are strategic partners — historically, geographically, logistically, in terms of security, and in shared values. We have a common enemy. It is russia. russia — which killed the elite of the Polish nation near Smolensk and went entirely unpunished. russia, which is currently applauding the strain in our relations…” Olena Kondratiuk stated.
The Deputy Speaker expressed her conviction that parliamentarians from both countries must focus on building the future, particularly on Ukraine’s EU accession process.
“Recently, the first cluster of negotiations was opened for Ukraine. And I am extremely pleased that a special committee has been established in the Polish Sejm to assist Ukraine on its path to the European Union, chaired by my counterpart, Monika Wielichowska,” Olena Kondratiuk emphasized.
She also called for strengthening and scaling up cooperation between Ukraine and Poland in the defense-industrial complex, the economy, and culture.
The Deputy Speaker expressed her conviction that parliamentarians from both countries must focus on building the future, particularly on Ukraine’s EU accession process.
“Recently, the first cluster of negotiations was opened for Ukraine. And I am extremely pleased that a special committee has been established in the Polish Sejm to assist Ukraine on its path to the European Union, chaired by my counterpart, Monika Wielichowska,” Olena Kondratiuk emphasized.
She also called for strengthening and scaling up cooperation between Ukraine and Poland in the defense-industrial complex, the economy, and culture.
The Deputy Speaker also expressed her gratitude to Poland, the Rescue City of Gdańsk, and other Polish municipalities for their solidarity and assistance to Ukraine.
“In recent years, Ukrainians and Poles have done far more for one another than any political declarations could ever convey. We are grateful for this solidarity. We remember it and will always remember it,” Olena Kondratiuk emphasized.