Polish President Duda Visits Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day

President of Poland Andrzej Duda visited Ukraine on the 33rd anniversary of its independence on 24 August.  During the celebrations, he said that Ukraine's independence is crucial for the security of Central Europe.

This was reported by Polskie Radio.

‘Your Independence Day is, in a sense, also a celebration of the independence of the whole of Central Europe. Without an independent Ukraine, it is difficult to imagine an independent and secure Poland, Lithuania or other countries in our region,’ Duda said during the visit.

According to him, Poland has been an unwavering supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, providing military assistance and advocating for stronger sanctions against Moscow.

‘Poland has supported, is supporting and will support your just struggle to the victorious end,’ Duda told Ukrainians, acknowledging the heavy losses the country has suffered from the conflict.

Duda also stressed the historical ties between Poland, Ukraine and other Central European countries, based on common resistance to imperial domination.

Duda also laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine in Kyiv, paying tribute to those who died in the war.

Ukraine celebrates its independence from the Soviet Union, proclaimed on 24 August 1991 and later confirmed in a national referendum.

Poland was the first country to recognise Ukraine's sovereignty.