On 13 December, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mischenko paid a working visit to the city of Przemyśl, Republic of Poland, to take part in the Forum of Ukrainians of Eastern Europe held under the slogan “Ukrainians of Eastern Europe: Unity, Strength, Future.”

The Forum brought together representatives of the World Congress of Ukrainians and the European Congress of Ukrainians, leaders of Ukrainian communities from across Europe, as well as members of the Ukrainian clergy, volunteers, military personnel, and diplomats.

In his address during the panel discussion “European Ukrainians and Ukraine: Partnership, Influence, Future,” Oleksandr Mischenko emphasized the importance of organizing comprehensive assistance to support the Defence Forces of Ukraine and called on Ukrainian organizations abroad to unite their efforts to this end.

The Deputy Minister also focused on bilateral relations between Ukraine and Poland, the importance of military assistance provided by Poland to Ukraine, as well as the provocative actions of the Russian Federation on the international stage aimed at undermining the unity of the international community in supporting Ukraine. He stressed that support from Ukraine’s partners in the field of security and defence remains a key prerequisite for achieving a just peace for Ukraine. Ukrainian communities have a strategic task to enhance engagement with the governments of their countries of residence in order to expand assistance to Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.

Participants in the discussion included Head of the Association of Ukrainians in Poland Mirosław Skórka (moderator), Head of the Stand with Ukraine Foundation and leader of the civic initiative “Euromaidan–Warsaw” Natalia Panchenko, First Deputy Head of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania Bohdan Moisei, Head of the Ukrainian Culture Association “Ptashka” in the Republic of Moldova Daria Russu, and founder of the Warsaw forum “Uniters” Halyna Andrushkov.

Panel participants shared their experience of volunteer activities and spoke about the challenges faced by citizens of Ukraine and autochthonous Ukrainians in Poland, Moldova, and Romania. Particular attention was paid to countering Russian disinformation and promoting the interests of Ukrainians at the local level.

During the visit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mischenko, together with Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland Vasyl Bodnar and Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Przemyśl Oleksandr Bachyk, paid tribute to the fighters for the freedom and independence of Ukraine buried at the Ukrainian Military Cemetery in Pikulice.