Duda said on Tuesday that “in the Russian-Ukrainian war, Poland is on Ukraine’s side—without any ifs or buts," calling for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to return calmly to peace negotiations.
Speaking to reporters in New York, Duda said that this stance is not only "a matter of human decency" but also a vital national interest for Poland.
“I told President Zelensky, you came to politics from a business background, so speak to President Trump in a business-like manner and try to set terms where both sides win,” Duda said during an interview with Polish broadcaster TVN.
"Let’s approach this calmly and wait for the effects of President Trump’s policies. I believe his sole aim is to end the war in Ukraine," he added.
Duda acknowledged that recent talks between the United States and Ukraine had descended into a “very heated exchange” – referring to the confrontation in the White House where Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, scolded Zelensky and abruptly ended the meeting.
The Polish president expressed hope that “the end result of these negotiations will be a lasting peace” and stressed the need for a unified Western stance, including a commitment from the United States.
On the issue of US military aid, Duda expressed regret that “for now, American assistance has been suspended.”
He noted that Poland plays a crucial role as the transit country for US aid to Ukraine, saying: "If someone asks whether we support Ukraine, we do so 24 hours a day—from the very beginning of Russia's invasion."
(jh/gs)
Source: TVN24, IAR, PAP