A young Ukrainian’s simple ‘thank you’ moved both leaders during a walk in Gdansk. The comment punctuated talks on aid, unity and defence cooperation.
The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, said that during a stroll through Gdańsk with French President Emmanuel Macron, the moment that moved them most was a Ukrainian woman’s word “thank you,” which shows the high regard for Polish and French aid to Ukraine.
The prime minister explained this during a joint press conference in Gdańsk, where the leaders exchanged views on supporting Ukraine and the security of the EU and NATO’s eastern flank. According to Tusk, the French leader is held in high esteem in Poland – hundreds of people took to the streets to greet him on his arrival.
“But, perhaps, the most moving moment for us was a young Ukrainian woman with the words ‘thank you’ (she spoke Ukrainian – ed.), who wanted to thank you and me for supporting Ukraine.”
– Tusk
Tusk added that many Ukrainians are currently in Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, as well as across Poland, underscoring the scale of humanitarian and political support from their neighbors.
In the context of the events, the leaders emphasized the need for European unity in these difficult times – with a focus on helping Ukraine and ensuring the security of the eastern flank of the EU and NATO.
In Gdańsk, the first Polish-French international summit on the occasion of the Day of Polish-French Friendship is underway.
Prospects for Joint Defense and Further Partnership
After the meeting, they expect expanded defense and security cooperation between Poland and France, underscoring Ukraine’s long-standing support from the two key European partners.