Polish officials criticize Zelensky's boycott of Gdańsk Ukraine reconstruction conference

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decided not to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference scheduled in Gdańsk, Poland, leaving Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (referred to as Swyrydenko) to lead the Ukrainian delegation. The conference, co‑organized by Poland and Ukraine, aims to attract investors for post‑war rebuilding and is set to become the 2026 Ukraine Recovery Conference.

Polish political figures voiced strong criticism. Former heavyweight boxing champion Vladimir Klychko said Zelensky’s presence was essential for strengthening Polish‑Ukrainian ties and rebuilding efforts. Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz, chair of the Poland 2050 party, called the decision “a huge mistake,” arguing that Ukraine needs the financial support the conference could generate and warning that the move undermines Poland’s credibility. She also linked the boycott to Poland’s earlier decision to withdraw the White Eagle Order from Zelensky.

The criticism underscores ongoing diplomatic tension between Warsaw and Kyiv over reconstruction funding and symbolic gestures, while the conference continues with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk co‑hosting alongside Ukrainian officials.