Poland’s Morawiecki made the statement in a speech in Aachen, Germany, on Sunday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The Polish prime minister was speaking at a ceremony to grant Ukraine the prestigious Charlemagne prize in honour of its services to Europe, according to news outlets.
Zelensky collected the award on behalf of his nation, the Reuters news agency reported.
Besides the Polish prime minister, guests at the ceremony at Aachen Town Hall included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Ukraine is 'defending our freedom'
In his speech, Morawiecki told the audience: “The attitude of the Ukrainian people, the solidarity of Poles with their neighbours, and finally the decisive response of the European Union to the call for defending Ukraine have proven that the greatness of the European values is still alive and well.”
The Polish prime minister said: “It's Ukraine who's defending our freedom at its frontiers.”
Zelensky is 'a hero for Ukraine and a role model for Europe’
Morawiecki hailed Zelensky as “a hero for Ukraine and a role model for Europe.”
He stated: “Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the most outstanding leader on an international scale in the 21st century. His bravery has reminded European Union leaders of the importance of sovereignty and independence.”
The Polish prime minister added that Zelensky’s “personal courage is a symbol of determination and unity of the Ukrainian people.”
Morawiecki stated: “President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people are an inspiration for unity in the name of peace in Europe. It is hard to find anyone more deserving of the Charlemagne Prize. President Zelensky, thank you and congratulations!”
‘Let’s give Volodymyr and the Ukrainian nation our full support’
The Polish prime minister urged: “Let’s give today’s winner something more than a prize. Let’s give him, let’s give Volodymyr and the Ukrainian nation our full support. Only in this way will we truly strengthen peace and security in Europe.”
Putin 'embarked on a path of genocide': Zelensky
In his acceptance speech, the Ukrainian president said that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has chosen catastrophe."
Zelensky added: "Now everyone understands what we understand. Putin is a catastrophe … His formula has become death.”
He also told the gathering that Putin "embarked on a path of genocide" and "wants to destroy Europe."
"And then there will be our response - a tribunal,” Zelensky said.
Monday is day 446 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, gov.pl, president.gov.ua