Polish volunteers mark Independence Day by delivering 21 vehicles to Ukrainian troops

Members of the Polish volunteer organization Pająki z Opola (Spiders from Opole) handed over the vehicles to representatives of several Ukrainian military brigades outside the Lviv Opera House, a Hromadske correspondent reported.

The organization has delivered more than 3,000 vehicles to Ukraine's military since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The vehicles are purchased with donations from Polish citizens, while some supporters contribute their own cars.

"We have supported the front since the beginning of the full-scale war. This matters for both your freedom and ours, because together we are stronger," the organization's founder, Ola Czernecka, told Hromadske.

"Gratitude for our own freedom obliges us to help those whose freedom someone is trying to take away," she added.

Robert Jegula, a Polish volunteer who previously fought in Ukraine, said the group deliberately chose Poland's Independence Day for the handover.

"On our national holiday, we wanted to show Ukraine that it is not alone, that we stand with you and will continue to stand for our freedom and yours," he told Hromadske.

Poland celebrates its independence on November 11, commemorating the restoration of Polish statehood in 1918 after more than a century of partition.

"Independence Day in Poland is one of the most important holidays for every Pole. We celebrate it as an expression of our freedom and are confident that freedom in Ukraine is just as important for Poles," commented Polish volunteer Marcin Mizgalski.

Solidarity amid political tensions

The delivery came as Poland held its annual Independence Day celebrations, including a nationalist march in Warsaw. This year's march was organized under the slogan "A Pole is the host in Poland."

Anti-Ukrainian slogans have appeared at previous Independence Day marches, while researchers at the Polish Institute of International Affairs warned in August that Russia was exploiting disputes over history, refugees and military assistance to deepen divisions between Poles and Ukrainians.

Polish volunteer Marcin Mizgalski acknowledged the existence of anti-Ukrainian voices but said he believed most Poles continued to support Ukraine.

The volunteers are continuing to raise funds and collect usable vehicles for Ukrainian troops.

"We don't need luxury cars. We need reliable vehicles that will serve where they are needed," Czernecka wrote in an appeal encouraging people to donate vehicles or help organize fundraising efforts.