On his way back from a working visit abroad, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited Lublin, Poland. He thanked all the Poles for their support and solidarity.

The head of state announced this on his Telegram channel. He presented state awards to citizens of the neighboring country (to view photos and videos, scroll to the bottom of the page).

"On my way to Ukraine, I was honored to recognize the efforts of Polish citizens, volunteers, and caring hearts in Lublin. Ms. Bianka Zalewska is a journalist who has been covering Russian aggression against Ukraine since 2014 and spreading the truth about what is happening because of the invasion of Russian evil. In July 2014, she was seriously injured but did not give up the fight for good. Her volunteer efforts saved many Ukrainian lives, including children who were transported to children's hospitals in Poland for treatment. Thank you for that!" Zelensky wrote.

He said that he also thanked Damian Duda, a rescue doctor, head of the volunteer medical team, and a lecturer at Marie Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, for all the efforts.

"He and his team visited Ukraine. They have been to Bakhmut, Soledar, and the front line in the south. He saved our guys, our soldiers, established a fund that finances the purchase of medicines and created a center for training combat medics. He also actively conducts trainings for journalists and volunteers who go to the war zone. Thanks to such indifference, lives are being saved. Thank you, Damian! I am grateful to Poland for the invaluable support and solidarity that helps to defend the freedom of our entire Europe!" the guarantor said.

Zalewska was awarded the Order of Princess Olha, second class, while Duda was awarded the Order of Merit, third class.

Earlier, the Polish authorities announced that they would stop all assistance to Ukrainian refugees starting in 2024. In particular, they were going to deprive them of the right to free access to healthcare, education, and the labor market, as well as the opportunity to legally stay in the country and receive payments.

In response, it was reported that the EU Council intends to force Poland to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians at least until 2025. The decision is expected to be made on September 28.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Zelensky has not yet held a trilateral meeting to discuss the grain issue with his colleagues from Lithuania and Poland, Gitanas Nausėda and Andrzej Duda, during his visit to New York. The media reported such a meeting by mistake. However, the grain conflict between Ukraine and Poland remains unresolved.

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