Leaders from Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine Commemorate 163rd Anniversary of January Uprising in Vilnius

Historic Commemoration in Vilnius Unites Regional Leaders

Vilnius, Lithuania – On January 25, 2026, the capital of Lithuania hosted a significant commemorative event marking the 163rd anniversary of the January Uprising. The ceremony brought together President Karol Nawrocki of Poland, President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, accompanied by their respective First Ladies, Marta Nawrocka, Diana Nausėdienė, and Olena Zelenska. The leaders participated in a commemorative mass at Vilnius Cathedral and a ceremony at Rasos Cemetery, honoring the insurgents who fought against Russian imperial rule.

Echoes of the Past: A Shared Struggle Against Oppression

The January Uprising, which began on January 22, 1863, was a large-scale insurrection primarily in Russia's Kingdom of Poland, aimed at regaining independence and ending Russian occupation. The rebellion quickly spread to include parts of modern-day Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine, uniting Poles, Lithuanians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians in a common struggle against the Russian Empire. Despite its brutal suppression by Russian forces, the uprising remains a powerful symbol of resistance, national identity, and the enduring fight for freedom in the region, fought under the rallying cry 'For our freedom and yours'.

Leaders Address Enduring Threats and Call for Unity

During the commemoration, the leaders drew parallels between the historical struggle and current geopolitical challenges. Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasized Russia's persistent threat to the region, stating, 'one thing remains unchanged: Russia is still a threat to the region,' irrespective of whether it is Tsarist, Bolshevik, or Vladimir Putin's Russia. He further highlighted the uprising as a 'moral and spiritual victory' that awakened national consciences and conveyed a message of unwavering resolve.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the contemporary relevance of the historical event, asserting that 'all of us in our part of Europe must fight and struggle to protect our sovereignty, our freedom and our independence.' He also acknowledged the unprecedented unity of international partners in supporting Ukraine against ongoing Russian aggression. Host President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania echoed these sentiments, declaring that the 'courage, faith and sacrifice are an example to us all,' demonstrating that 'commitment to freedom and refusal to submit to tyranny are a shared historical legacy.'

Strengthening Regional Solidarity through the Lublin Triangle

The gathering also served as a platform for crucial diplomatic discussions, held within the framework of the Lublin Triangle, a regional alliance established in 2020 between Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The presidents engaged in talks focused on security and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, reinforcing their commitment to collective defense and regional stability. The presence of exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya further underscored the broader regional implications of the historical and contemporary struggles for self-determination.