Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Gdańsk, following a formal note submitted to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Government sources confirmed the visit, which had previously faced uncertainty due to diplomatic tensions between Poland and Ukraine regarding the naming of a Ukrainian special forces unit.
Did You Know? The Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 marks a significant shift in logistics, as it is the first time the event is being held in Poland and the first time it is hosted outside of the G7 nations, following previous summits in Lugano, Berlin, London, and Rome.
Context of the diplomatic tension
The uncertainty surrounding the President’s attendance stemmed from a recent dispute regarding the designation of the Odrębnego Centrum Operacji Specjalnych „Północ” (Separate Center for Special Operations “North”). President Zelenskyy had referred to the formation as “Heroes of the UPA,” a move that caused friction in Poland. Despite this, Mykyta Poturajew, a deputy from the Servant of the People party, stated recently that plans for the President’s arrival in Gdańsk were underway.
Significance of the Gdańsk summit
The conference, scheduled for June 25–26, is described by government plenipotentiary for Ukrainian reconstruction Paweł Kowal as a shared interest for both Poland and Ukraine. The event is expected to draw approximately 5,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, and business leaders. Organizers anticipate the presence of around 20 high-level delegations, alongside representatives from the European Commission, including a potential visit from Ursula von der Leyen and four commissioners.
Expert Insight: The stakes of the URC
The URC is more than a diplomatic gathering; it is a platform for concrete economic commitments. With organizers planning to finalize between several dozen to roughly 100 agreements and obligations, the success of the conference relies heavily on the presence of top-tier leadership. The participation of the Ukrainian President serves as a crucial signal of stability for the international donor community, despite the underlying political sensitivities between Warsaw and Kyiv.
What happens next
With the formal note delivered to the Polish Foreign Ministry, the focus now shifts to the finalization of the diplomatic agenda. If the current trajectory holds, the conference could see a significant volume of signed agreements, potentially reaching the 100-mark as suggested by organizers. Future developments depend on how both governments navigate the remaining political tensions surrounding historical interpretations while maintaining the momentum of the reconstruction platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the Ukraine Recovery Conference take place?
The conference is scheduled to be held in Gdańsk on June 25–26.
Why was President Zelenskyy’s attendance previously uncertain?
His attendance was in doubt due to diplomatic tensions between Poland and Ukraine, specifically following President Zelenskyy’s reference to a Ukrainian special forces unit as “Heroes of the UPA.”
What is the expected scale of the event?
Organizers expect up to 5,000 guests, including around 20 government and state-level delegations, and plan to facilitate the signing of dozens to approximately 100 agreements.
How do you view the balance between historical memory and the practical needs of international reconstruction efforts?
