Zelensky: I am not Prince Volodymyr, and Nawrocki is not a king

Zelensky and Nawrocki. Photo: Andrzej Iwanczuk

In an interview with TSN journalist Alla Mazur, Volodymyr Zelensky commented on tensions in relations with Poland and attempted to make a linguistic comparison based on the etymology of Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s name.

Arguing that modern politics should not be built around historical titles, Zelensky said: “I am Volodymyr Zelensky. No, not Prince Volodymyr.” He then contrasted the Polish leader’s name with his office: “And Karol is not a position, it is his name. After all, he does not live in a monarchy, but in a democracy.” In doing so, Zelensky suggested that Nawrocki’s first name sounded similar to the word “king.”

However, the linguistic comparison itself was inaccurate. The name Karol (German Karl, Latin Carolus) derives from the ancient Germanic word karl, meaning “free man” or “man,” and does not originate from the word “king.” In Polish, the word for king is król, which itself developed from the name of Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus).

Speaking about his relations with Nawrocki, Zelensky said that during their first meeting he received a book about the Volhynia massacre from the Polish politician, but did not attach much importance to the gesture.

“We did not hold a press conference, I did not tell people about it, we did not inflate the story. I live with it calmly,” the Ukrainian president said.

Zelensky also noted that while he is grateful to the Polish people, gratitude should have limits.

“We cannot simply wake up, watch the sun rise, and at the same time make sure we thank everyone today,” Zelensky said.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Poland’s president stripped Zelensky of a state award over the glorification of the UPA.

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