Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has penned a poignant letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing deep concern over his treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their recent meeting at the White House. Wałęsa co-signed the letter with 39 other former political prisoners who experienced the harsh realities of Poland's communist regime, conveying their "horror and distaste" at the tone of the exchange.
On March 1, 2025, during this live broadcast meeting, tensions flared as Trump reprimanded Zelensky for what he deemed ungratefulness toward U.S. support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. This incident left many observers uneasy, but none more so than Wałęsa and his compatriots, who saw troubling parallels to the oppressive atmosphere of their past.
"We watched your conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine with horror and distaste," the letter stated, highlighting the dismay felt by Wałęsa and his fellow signatories. The letter continued to denounce as offensive Trump’s insistence on gratitude for U.S. assistance, asserting, "Gratitude is due to the heroic Ukrainian soldiers who shed blood in defense of the values of the free world."
The former Polish political prisoners likened the atmosphere of the Oval Office during Trump and Zelensky’s meeting to the interrogations they endured from Poland's Security Service during the communist era. "The atmosphere in the Oval Office during this conversation reminded us of the one we recall from interrogations by the Security Service and from courtrooms in communist courts," they noted, articulately drawing on their harrowing experiences to contextualize our present political specter.
They lamented, "Prosecutors and judges, commissioned by the omnipotent communist political police, also explained to us...that they held all the cards and we had none." This gripping statement illuminates the silencing of dissenters—a memory still raw for those who lived through it. Wałęsa's reflections echo loudly as he accuses Trump of treating Zelensky similarly, stating simply, "We are shocked you treated President Volodymyr Zelensky in a similar way."
The letter, which was publicly posted to Wałęsa's Facebook page on March 3, 2025, serves as more than just criticism; it is a clarion call to reflect on the litany of historical lessons surrounding democracy and freedom. It firmly reminds us of the responsibilities borne by great powers, particularly the United States, to uphold the democratic values they preach.
Wałęsa, who rose to prominence for leading the Solidarity movement, is revered throughout Poland for his courage and advocacy. His legacy, paired with the vivid memories of his compatriots, gives weight to their views on the current geopolitical struggles. They emphasized the need for America to fulfill its obligations under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which includes commitments to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity. "We call on the United States to honor the guarantees it and the United Kingdom gave…These guarantees are unconditional," the letter states unequivocally.
This historical lens adds urgency to Wałęsa's critique: underestimations of the current challenges faced by Ukraine, tensions reminiscent of the global stand-offs of yesterday, and the risk of the West forgetting its own principles as leaders prioritize short-term political gains.
The letter also points out the cost of misjudging allies, particularly when they are under siege. Wałęsa and his colleagues unambiguously assert, "Gratitude should be directed not at political leaders but rather to the brave Ukrainian soldiers who are currently sacrificing their lives on the front lines. They are the true defenders of freedom, fighting against the aggression of Putin’s Russia, and they represent the very ideals which the United States has championed for decades. Their struggle must not be dismissed or politicized."
While Trump may have demanded more from Zelensky, Wałęsa's letter commits to holding leadership accountable for ensuring global perspectives are respected and maintaining firm alliances when democratic values are at stake.
Wałęsa's principled stand, set against the backdrop of historical suffering under communism, urges us to reckon with the present. His and his co-signers' admonitions compel not only U.S. leadership but also European allies to reassess their posture toward Ukraine—a country striving for autonomy, dignity, and the same freedoms we enjoy.
Finally, this letter brings forth hope, urging empathy not just within policies but across borders. Wałęsa’s eloquent expression not only condemns but also inspires those who hold democracy dear, propelling vigilance against any attempts to rewrite history or allow the values of freedom to falter amid negotiations.