Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania Commemorate 1863 January Uprising Amidst Security Talks in Vilnius

Leaders Gather in Vilnius for Joint Commemoration

On **January 25, 2026**, the presidents of **Poland**, **Ukraine**, and **Lithuania** gathered in **Vilnius, Lithuania**, to commemorate the **163rd anniversary** of the **1863 January Uprising**. The event brought together Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelenskyy**, Lithuanian President **Gitanas Nausėda**, and Polish President **Karol Nawrocki** for a series of memorial events and high-level discussions. The leaders participated in a mass at **Vilnius Cathedral** and a ceremony at the **Rosos cemetery**, where the remains of the rebels are interred.

Historical Significance of the January Uprising

The **January Uprising** was a significant national liberation revolt that erupted on **January 22, 1863**, against the rule of **Tsarist Russia**. It spanned the territories of present-day **Poland**, **Lithuania**, **Belarus**, and parts of **Ukraine**, aiming to end Russian occupation and restore independence. The insurrection was sparked by attempts at forced conscription of young Polish activists into the Imperial Russian Army and was characterized by guerrilla warfare. Although brutally suppressed by Russian forces, leading to executions and exile, the uprising remains a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom and national dignity for the peoples of the region.

Security Discussions and the War in Ukraine

Beyond the historical commemoration, the presidential meeting served as a platform for crucial security talks, particularly concerning **Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine**. The discussions were held within the framework of the **Lublin Triangle**, a trilateral regional alliance established in 2020 to foster cooperation among **Lithuania**, **Poland**, and **Ukraine** in security, economic, and social spheres. Key topics included security guarantees for Ukraine, the country's urgent need for air defense systems, and the conditions for achieving peace.

President **Zelenskyy** underscored the importance of international unity and sustained pressure on Russia, including sanctions, to achieve a lasting peace. He stated that Ukraine's security guarantees are '100 percent ready' for signing, awaiting confirmation from international partners, especially the United States. The leaders drew parallels between the historical struggle against Tsarist Russia during the January Uprising and Ukraine's contemporary fight against Russian aggression, emphasizing a shared history of resistance.