President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Lublin on Wednesday, July 29, marking his first trip to Poland since the historical dispute over a military unit’s title strained ties between the two countries earlier in June.Zelensky detailed the meeting in a statement on Telegram, saying the talks covered bilateral relations, defense cooperation, and the safety of Ukrainians seeking refuge in Poland amid Russia’s full-scale invasion.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.Zelensky said “protecting our cities and communities from brutal Russian strikes” remains a top priority, with anti-ballistic defense standing out as the most urgent.“Our cooperation strengthens both our region and all of Europe,” Zelensky continued, adding that “Ukraine’s security and protection also mean Poland’s security and protection.”A visit clouded by months of tensionsThe Lublin meeting comes after weeks of strained relations between Kyiv and Warsaw, triggered by Ukraine’s decision to grant an unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA,” a reference to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which Poland blames for the mass killings of Polish civilians in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia during and after World War II.Critics have framed the dispute as ultimately serving Russia’s interests, arguing that the focus should shift from historical grievances to the present threat Moscow poses to NATO and Europe, rather than allowing old wounds to divide them.