ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday praised Poland’s defense support and strategic partnership during a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Kyiv, as Ukraine marked its Constitution Day.

“Andrzej has stood with Ukraine since the first days of the war – always side by side, a reliable ally and a true friend,” Zelenskyy said in a statement, underscoring the close ties between the neighboring countries.

The two leaders discussed regional security, coordination within NATO, and upcoming EU-level decisions, he added.

The Ukrainian president said that both countries are working to implement key defense agreements and expressed hope that progress would be visible in the next six months.

“I thank Andrzej personally and the people of Poland for their support, for the substantial defense assistance, and for the joint decisions made in the name of our freedom and yours,” Zelenskyy said.

Duda, who cannot seek a third term under Polish law, will be succeeded by Karol Nawrocki on Aug. 6, following Nawrocki’s victory in the country’s presidential election earlier this month.