Ukrainians hold “March of Gratitude” in Warsaw to thank Poles for support

Ukrainians yesterday held a “March of Gratitude” through the streets of Warsaw to thank the Polish people for the help they have provided to refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion and the Polish government for the support it has given to Ukraine.

“Poles are our true friends who fight together with us every day,” Ukraine’s ambassador, Andrii Deshchytsia, wrote on Twitter when inviting his compatriots to join the march.

Several hundred people attended the event, according to Polish media reports. Participants chanted “Thank you” and “Long live Poland, free Ukraine”, while handing out flowers to bystanders.

Since the war broke out in late February, Poland has been the primary destination for Ukrainian refugees. It is estimated that between 1.5 and 2 million are currently in the country. They have been met by an outpouring of support from Polish society, as well as from national and local authorities.

Poland’s government has also been among the strongest allies of Ukraine during the war, providing military equipment and humanitarian aid, as well as advocating in international forums for tougher sanctions on Russia and for Ukraine’s membership of the European Union.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything you do,” said Deshchytsia at the march. “Both to the people who welcome Ukrainians into their homes, and to the government that provides financial and military aid, and to Polish politicians who campaign for Ukraine in the West.”

The march set off from parliament – headed by a large banner saying “We thank you” – and then proceeded to Castle Square, where a concert was held featuring Ukrainian and Polish performers. Participants carried placards that read “Poland is the best” and waved Polish and Ukrainian flags.

“This is an attempt to show Poles what Ukrainians feel,” said organiser Natalia Panchenko, quoted by TVP. “We are showing it for one day, but for over three months we have felt it for every Polish man and woman who is helping our country and our people.”

Previously, Ukrainian communities around Poland have organised campaigns to clean up local parks and other public spaces to show their gratitude for the welcome they have received.

Main image credit: Slawomir Kaminski / Agencja Wyborcza.pl

Alicja Ptak

Alicja Ptak is senior editor at Notes from Poland and a multimedia journalist. She previously worked for Reuters.