Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Poland’s MAGA-aligned President Karol Nawrocki in Warsaw on Friday, as Kyiv works to strengthen ties with a key regional ally at a critical point in its war against Russia.
The meeting came just hours after European Union leaders agreed to borrow funds to provide €90 billion ($105 billion) in loans to Ukraine over the next two years, a move aimed at sustaining Kyiv’s defence efforts.
Zelenskiy was welcomed by Nawrocki outside Poland’s Presidential Palace, where the two leaders held talks on bilateral relations and continued support for Ukraine.
While Poland remains broadly supportive of aiding Ukraine to prevent Russian forces from advancing closer to its borders, attitudes within the country have become more divided. Growing public frustration over Ukrainian refugees and the cost of assistance has added strain to relations.
Reflecting these sentiments, Nawrocki had previously insisted that Zelenskiy visit Warsaw to formally thank Poland for its support before he would consider travelling to Kyiv.
“We support Ukraine, and we will continue to do so,” Nawrocki said earlier this week. “But Poland must be treated as a partner. After nearly four years of war, many Poles do not feel that partnership strongly enough.”
Nawrocki’s stance marks a shift from the warmer approach taken by his predecessor Andrzej Duda, and highlights widening divisions within Poland’s right-wing political landscape.
Political Calculations on Both Sides
Zelenskiy said ahead of the visit that maintaining strong relations with Poland was “very important,” especially as public support for Ukraine shows signs of weakening in parts of Polish society.
Political analysts say building a working relationship with Nawrocki is increasingly necessary for Kyiv. Wojciech Przybylski, head of the Res Publica Foundation think tank, noted that Nawrocki’s close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump could be strategically useful for Zelenskiy.
“Zelenskiy needs allies who have access to Trump’s political circle,” Przybylski said. “Nawrocki understands this leverage and is positioning himself as an important player in Ukraine-related diplomacy.”
Nawrocki’s election victory earlier this year was backed by nationalist forces, including supporters of far-right parties who argue that Poland has gone too far in backing Ukraine. A recent poll showed 57% of respondents opposed Poland’s decision to spend $100 million on U.S. weapons for Kyiv.
Tensions Within Poland’s Leadership
The meeting also plays into Poland’s domestic political rivalry. Nawrocki’s approach to Ukraine contrasts sharply with that of centrist Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a former European Council president and strong advocate of unconditional support for Kyiv.
Tusk, who is also scheduled to meet Zelenskiy in Warsaw, has repeatedly criticised right-wing parties for questioning aid to Ukraine, urging them to support Kyiv “without reservations.”
As the war enters a decisive phase, Zelenskiy’s visit underscores the growing importance of navigating shifting political dynamics in Europe—even among Ukraine’s closest allies.