Since the beginning of the war, Ukrainian president Zelensky has hardly left Ukraine. Poland is getting ready, because Zelensky is visiting the country today. The bond between the countries is perhaps closer than ever. Historian and lecturer at ESHCC, Iwona Gusc, talks with NOS’s “Met het Oog op Morgen” and podcast “De Dag”.
"It is his first official state visit since the beginning of the war. With this gesture he shows that he feels safe enough in neighboring Poland to pay an official state visit," says cultural historian Iwona Gusc in NOS “Met het Oog op Morgen”. "It is also a gesture to the Polish people. To thank them for helping with the Ukrainian refugees."
Symbolism
Gusc thinks it's a symbolic visit. "It is an important step for Poland and Ukraine to think about the relationship for the future," she says. "Also, for future economic interests. Poland also wants to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine when the war is over. They have said so."
In addition, Gusc points out that there are about two million Ukrainian refugees in Poland. "Some of those people stay in Poland. Poland therefore takes into account that the permanent diaspora will become part of Polish society. Then you have to have a good relationship with the neighboring country."
Poland's position in Europe
Poland is also one of Ukraine's most important allies in the war. Both countries know the threat from the east and now see the west moving along. After years of being looked down upon and ignored, Poland is now respected, Iwona says in podcast “De Dag”. What does that mean for the future of Europe?
Watch the interview in “Met het Oog op Morgen” (Dutch)
Listen tot the episode of podcast “De Dag” (Dutch)
Read the news article on NOS (Dutch)
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