The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine held a formal reception at the St. Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution on May 3—one of the key documents in the history of Polish statehood and European constitutionalism.
Speaking at the reception, the Polish Ambassador to Ukraine Piotr Łukasiewicz emphasized that the May 3 Constitution was “an act of courage and foresight” and an attempt to create a state “in which laws define the limits of power, not the other way around; where the common good prevails over private ambitions.”
According to him, these ideals resonate particularly strongly today in Ukraine, which is fighting for its sovereignty, freedom, and place in the European community of nations.
“Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Poland has supported its independence and its right to choose its own path. We see before us not only a neighbor but also a European partner with whom we are united by shared civilizational values: human dignity, respect for human rights, and faith in a future based on law, not force,” the ambassador noted.
He emphasized that Poland supports Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union, calling this goal realistic but one that requires consistent work.
“Membership in the European Union is not just a flag and equal status in relations with EU institutions. Above all, it is a system of values and institutions that protect citizens from the arbitrariness of power,” the diplomat said.
The ambassador emphasized that institutional independence, transparency, accountability, effective public administration, and the equal application of laws to all citizens regardless of position or influence remain crucial for European integration.
He also highlighted the importance of judicial reform, the fight against corruption, transparency in public finances, and the protection of journalists and civil society.
“I want to emphasize one key principle: the rule of law is stronger than any political power. The law curbs abuse and ensures predictability, and predictability is a prerequisite for security and economic development,” the ambassador stated.
He noted that Ukraine is currently undergoing an extraordinary test, simultaneously defending its territory and building institutions. Poland, he said, supports these efforts not only politically but also through the exchange of experience, training, and technical and institutional assistance.
“Poland, having gone through its own transformation, shares its experience and supports Ukraine on its path to EU membership,” the diplomat emphasized.
The ambassador also noted the development of economic cooperation between the countries even amid a full-scale war. According to him, Poland and Ukraine are working to create a “Polish model” of defense cooperation, through which the armed forces of both countries will receive modern, battle-tested, and jointly produced equipment.
He also mentioned the work of Polish companies in Ukraine. In particular, the gas and fuel supplied by Orlen, according to the ambassador, not only meet the transportation needs of Ukrainian citizens but also support Ukraine’s defense. PZU is implementing the largest foreign investment project in its history on the Ukrainian insurance market, while Kredobank is expanding its presence in Ukraine and is set to become one of the sources of funding for the reconstruction of cities.
“I am grateful to these companies for their activities in Ukraine, for their worthy representation of the Polish economic miracle, and for their generous support of today’s reception,” said the ambassador.
The diplomat emphasized that joining the international community does not mean a loss of sovereignty, but rather is a way to strengthen it. According to him, the implementation of standards of the rule of law, transparency, and accountability strengthens the state, increases investor confidence, protects the rights of minorities, and enriches public life.
“Standing here today, I think of the courage of the men and women defending Ukraine on the front lines, but also of the courage of the reformers, members of the Verkhovna Rada, judges, journalists, and citizens who participate daily in building the rule of law and institutions. Poland recognizes and highly values these efforts,” the ambassador stated.
He emphasized that Ukraine’s victory—both “military and institutional”—is a victory for all of Europe.
“Freedom and the rule of law cannot be taken for granted—they require care, renewal, and protection. That is why we stand with Ukraine—as a partner, ally, and friend—in its pursuit of security, prosperity, and full membership in the family of European nations,” the diplomat concluded.
The Constitution of May 3 was adopted in 1791 by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and is considered the first modern constitution in Europe and one of the first in the world.
Poland became the first country in the world to recognize Ukraine’s independence following the all-Ukrainian referendum on December 1, 1991: Warsaw did so on December 2, 1991.
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kyiv was opened in 1992, and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland in Warsaw resumed operations in June 1992 following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two independent states.
CONSTITUTION DAY, EMBASSY, POLAND, reception, St. Sophia Cathedral
Ukraine has announced its decision to open an embassy in Manama (Kingdom of Bahrain). The opening of the embassy was announced during a meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani.
“As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Bahrain, I was pleased to hold a bilateral meeting with my colleague Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani,” Sybiga wrote on Telegram on Tuesday.
According to him, Ukraine announced today its decision to open an embassy in Bahrain’s capital, Manama. “We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. These are concrete steps toward a stronger and more structured partnership,“ Sibiga said.
He also noted that the parties ”agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation, which has gained real momentum in recent years following the Bahraini minister’s first visit to Ukraine in 2023.”
According to the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the current talks focused on regional security. “Ukraine expresses solidarity with Bahrain and other GCC countries in the face of Iran’s irresponsible destabilizing actions.”
“The situation in the Strait of Hormuz requires special attention, as freedom of navigation must be guaranteed as a cornerstone of global energy security and the stability of international markets. We agreed to strengthen coordination within international organizations and expand cooperation in the areas of food security and supply stability,” Sibiga emphasized.
According to him, Ukraine is ready to offer practical solutions, in particular to share its experience in countering security threats and strengthening resilience.
On February 25, the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, together with the Israeli Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), handed over more than 100 backup power supply and energy independence systems to the Kyiv Regional State Administration.
According to the embassy’s press service, the handover ceremony was attended by the head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, Mykola Kalashnyk, and the deputy head of the mission of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, Mila Tsur.
“Hospitals must operate continuously. Schools and shelters must remain safe. Families must be able to stay in touch. Electricity is the foundation that allows communities to survive and recover,” Tsur emphasized.
Kalashnik thanked Israel for its support and assistance, noting that the portable power systems provided will help ensure the continuous operation of social institutions and support the residents of the Kyiv region in the event of power outages.
According to the embassy, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had a phone chat with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga about giving humanitarian aid to the Kyiv region because of the tough energy situation.
The statement also notes that on February 24, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Supporting sustainable peace in Ukraine,” initiated by Ukraine within the framework of the 11th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly, and the State of Israel, among 107 other countries, voted in support of Ukraine.
The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Ukraine, together with the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies, held a round table on “The Updated Foreign Policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.” The event was attended by diplomats, experts, and analysts. Participants discussed the transformation of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy against the backdrop of global turbulence, growing interstate conflicts, and the restructuring of the international relations system.
It was noted that under the presidency of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tashkent is stepping up its international activity and consistently forming new areas of cooperation, paying attention to strengthening good neighborliness and trust in Central Asia, developing multi-vector political and economic ties, and diversifying trade and investment.
Other priorities included expanding cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics, green energy, water management, and the climate agenda. The participants emphasized the practical effectiveness of economic diplomacy and the growth of Uzbekistan’s interaction with international organizations, noting the holding of major international events in the country under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNESCO.
A separate section of the discussion was devoted to Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the European Union. Experts pointed to the convergence of interests between the parties on issues of energy security, sustainable transport corridors, the green economy, water management, as well as educational and humanitarian programs, emphasizing Uzbekistan’s role as one of the EU’s key partners in Central Asia.
The cultural and humanitarian component of foreign policy was also discussed, including the development of cultural diplomacy and tourism as tools for strengthening the country’s positive international image and “soft power.”
At the end of the round table, participants described Uzbekistan’s foreign policy as open, pragmatic, and predictable, based on internal modernization and a reform agenda.
The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia held a reception to mark the return of the diplomatic mission to Kyiv and the opening of new premises at 48 Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street. The event brought together diplomats, representatives of government agencies, business and academic circles of Ukraine.
During his speech, Serbian Ambassador to Ukraine Andon Sapundzi emphasized that the opening of the embassy symbolizes “Serbia’s return to Kyiv” and the resumption of active cooperation between the two countries.
“Our workspace is not yet complete, but I wanted to share this joy with you right now — Serbia is back!” he said, addressing the guests.
In his speech, the diplomat emphasized the deep historical ties between the Ukrainian and Serbian peoples. In particular, in the 18th century, more than 50,000 Serbs settled in the territory of modern Ukraine — near Bakhmut and in the Kirovohrad region, founding Slavianoserbia and New Serbia. At the same time, as early as the 17th century, Ukrainians migrated to Serbia, mainly to Vojvodina.
The ambassador also noted that since the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 100,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in Serbia, set up companies there, and their children have begun to learn Serbian.
Serbia provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including projects to build underground kindergartens near the front line, supplies equipment for energy infrastructure, and organizes educational programs for children from Sumy and Kharkiv.
Special mention was made of Serbian language teachers and students who maintained scientific and cultural ties between the countries even during the most difficult years of the war.
“We are here to live, work, and share everything with you, our dear Ukrainian friends,” the ambassador concluded his speech.
Ukraine and Serbia (then SFRY) established diplomatic relations on April 15, 1994. The Serbian Embassy in Kyiv began operating in 1995, but in 2022 it temporarily suspended its activities due to the security situation. In the fall of 2025, the diplomatic mission officially resumed its work in Kyiv at 48 Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street. The Ukrainian Embassy in Belgrade has been operating since 1995.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ukraine, together with the National Academy of Culture and Arts Management (NAKAKIM), held a formal reception in Kyiv to mark National Batik Day, recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The event was attended by about 150 guests, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, government authorities, students, and the scientific community.
In his welcoming speech, Arif Muhammad Basalamah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Ukraine, noted that batik is not just a fabric, but a cultural heritage that embodies the history, values, and identity of the Indonesian people.
“Batik is a story of harmony, creativity, and wisdom passed down through generations. By wearing batik, we carry within ourselves values and identity that have been nurtured for centuries,” the diplomat emphasized.
NAKKKiM Rector Valery Marchenko congratulated the Indonesian delegation and awarded the ambassador the title of Honorary Professor of the Academy, noting the importance of cultural exchange and further development of academic cooperation.
The program of the celebration included a presentation on batik, dance and vocal performances by students, as well as the performance of the national anthems of Indonesia and Ukraine on the Ukrainian bandura. An exhibition of batik and the tools used to create it was organized in the university lobby. The event concluded with a tasting of traditional Indonesian dishes—nasi goreng, mie goreng, bakwan, and kue lumpur.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Indonesia were established on June 5, 1992. The Ukrainian Embassy in Jakarta opened in 1995, and the Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv began operating in 1994.
In recent years, the countries have also been developing cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and tourism. In 2024–2025, Indonesia signed two protocols on market access for Ukrainian products — peas and aquatic biological resources — which should stimulate further growth in trade in agricultural products.
