 Polish ships had explored settlements within the Caribbean and tried on four occasions to establish a colony on the nearby island of Tobago, however the attempt of a colony failed and all plans to establish a colony in Venezuela faltered.In 1787, Polish King Stanisław August Poniatowski hosted future Venezuelan military leader and revolutionary, Francisco de Miranda for a few days in Kaniów (in present day Ukraine) while Miranda was traveling Europe.During the Venezuelan War of Independence, several Polish officers served and fought for Venezuelan independence against Spanish troops.