Poland’s democracy hero, Lech Wałęsa, has joined forces with over thirty former political prisoners to sound the alarm over what they perceive as a troubling treatment of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by former U.S. President Donald Trump during their recent meeting. Their letter, posted on Wałęsa’s Facebook page on March 3, 2025, expressed deep "horror and distaste" at the prescriptive demand for gratitude from the Ukrainian leader amid his country’s fierce fight against Russian aggression.
Wałęsa, who emerged as a pivotal figure during Poland's pro-democracy movement, emphasized how the dynamics of interaction between Trump and Zelenskyy evoked memories of harsh interrogations they faced under Poland’s communist regime. The letter was signed by Wałęsa along with 38 other former democracy activists, some of whom were jailed for their roles as dissenters against the Moscow-backed government prior to 1989.
“Gratitude is due to the heroic Ukrainian soldiers who shed blood in defense of the values of the free world. They are the ones who have been dying on the front lines,” the former political dissidents said. They condemned Trump for expecting Zelenskyy to show deference when it is the Ukrainian soldiers who truly deserve recognition for their sacrifices.
The impact of the letter reverberates as not just criticism of Trump but also speaks to broader concerns about the principles underpinning democracy and international alliances. Wałęsa and his fellow signatories compared the atmosphere during Trump’s Oval Office treatment of Zelenskyy to the oppressive dynamics they endured. “We were also terrified by the fact,” they recalled, “that the atmosphere in the Oval Office during this conversation reminded us of the one we well recognize from interrogations.”
Wałęsa’s commitment to democracy is well established. He led the Solidarity movement, which catalyzed the 1989 collapse of communism and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize for his poignant advocacy for human rights. His experiences have shaped his views, particularly about how leaders should support each other against authoritarianism.
The former dissidents went on to highlight signs of Trump’s misunderstanding of geopolitical relationships, emphasizing Zelenskyy’s need for reassurance, not disdain. The letter noted, “We do not understand how the leader of a country, which is the symbol of the free world, cannot see this.” Their words carry weight as they reflect the discontent expressed by many European leaders concerned over Trump's behavior and what it signifies for U.S. foreign policy.
The underlying message from Wałęsa and his allies is clear: they urge respect for Ukraine’s struggle, invoking the common fight against tyranny. “We know what it means to fight for freedom against a more powerful adversary,” the letter concluded, reinforcing solidarity with Ukraine and asserting the nation's leadership merits support, not humiliation.
Among the prominent signatories alongside Wałęsa are noted activists like Adam Michnik, Bogdan Lis, Seweryn Blumsztajn, and Władysław Frasyniuk, who have each championed democracy and fought against oppression, lending credence to the letter’s demand for dignity in international relations.
This moment also invokes historical reflections on how U.S. leadership shaped the outcomes of global conflicts, reminding the world of President Ronald Reagan’s resolute stance against the Soviet Union and support of those fighting for freedom. “President Reagan was aware,” the letter mentions, “that millions of enslaved people suffered.” Such reflections highlight the risks of current U.S. policies diverging from this legacy.
Notably, European officials have been reluctant to criticize Trump openly, fearing detrimental repercussions on the U.S.-Ukrainian relationship. The release of Wałęsa’s letter serves as not only his personal condemnation but capitalizes on historical grievances, forcing the issue to the forefront on behalf of numerous European leaders unwilling to speak out.
Trump’s comments to Zelenskyy, which included the assertion, “you don’t have the cards,” and accusations of Ukraine gambling with the lives of millions, reflect imperial attitudes deemed unacceptable by the signatories of the letter. The letter's critique resonates with those familiar with the emotional and psychological toll of political oppression.
This juxtaposition of Poland’s past struggle and Ukraine’s current resilience raises pressing questions about the responsibilities of global leaders vis-à-vis allies facing existential threats. It also reflects undercurrents of anxiety among European nations watching as American policies shift under Trump.
Wałęsa’s bold stance reiterates the urgency of unwavering support for democratic allies amid rising authoritarian backlash worldwide. It is not only history calling for reckoning but also calls for advocating humane principles of politics forged through shared struggles.
Communicating such sentiments underlines how leaders must handle diplomatic dynamics with care, recognizing the fragile balance between showing mercy and exercising prudent power. The fate of millions hangs on these relationships, clamoring not just for acknowledgment but for solidarity rooted deeply within the contemporary fight against authoritarianism.
Overall, the letter from Wałęsa and his fellow signatories encapsulates the gravity of the moment for U.S. foreign policy and its global impact as it urges kindness where it’s truly needed and reflects on lessons from both Poland’s past and Ukraine’s present.