Zelensky Loses Key Ally: Poland Takes Drastic Step and Strains Relations
Poland, once one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies in the war against Russia, now seems to be turning its back on Kyiv. How did this happen? It all started when Poland’s newly elected president, Karol Nawrocki, known for his nationalist views and opposition to Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership, decided to officially recognize the controversial Volhynia massacre as genocide.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately condemned the decision, calling it a “deterioration of good neighborly relations.” To make matters worse, nearly half of Poles believe that difficult historical issues need to be resolved before relations with Ukraine can improve.
Nawrocki, on the final day of his presidential campaign, laid flowers at a monument symbolizing the Volhynia massacre — a long-debated event. The 14-meter-tall statue depicts a crowned Polish eagle with a cross cut into its chest, and a child’s body impaled by a trident, the Ukrainian emblem.
This move sparked outrage in Kyiv, where Zelensky and his team see such actions as further complicating relations. Although Zelensky congratulated Nawrocki on his victory, the alliance is clearly on shaky ground.
Poland’s Support for Ukraine – Yes or No?
Poland has so far taken in over a million Ukrainian refugees and was one of the loudest supporters of Ukraine at the start of the Russian invasion. However, anti-Ukrainian sentiment has been rising in Poland in recent months. According to polls, 51% of Poles believe Ukrainian refugees receive too much support, and only 30% have a positive attitude towards Ukrainians.
Nawrocki campaigned on reducing aid to Ukrainian refugees and opposing Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership. He believes Poland should support Ukraine from a strategic geopolitical perspective, but Kyiv must understand that other countries have their own interests.
Geopolitical Games and Internal Pressures
Relations between Ukraine and Poland are further strained by disagreements over EU agricultural policies, with Poland protesting against preferential treatment of Ukrainian agriculture. Brussels also lifted tariffs on Ukrainian grain, causing dissatisfaction among Polish farmers.
All this unfolds against the backdrop of Poland’s presidential elections, where the margin between candidates was just 0.6%. Nawrocki promised to “save Poland,” but will he save the alliance with Ukraine?
Ukraine Doesn’t Give Up
Despite the complications with Poland, Ukraine continues to strengthen its capabilities. Ukrainian companies can now produce up to four million drones annually, and the Ukrainian military has already received 1.5 million drones. Ukraine also continues to receive military aid from Western allies, including US Patriot air defense systems and long-range artillery rockets from Germany.
However, internal divisions and pressures in Poland continue to cast a shadow over the future of this alliance.
Conclusion: Alliance on Shaky Ground or Beginning of the End?
Poland was a pillar of support for Ukraine, but now things seem to be changing. The nationalist stance of the new president, historical tensions, and internal pressures in Poland create serious obstacles for further cooperation. Ukraine does not give up and continues the fight, but the question remains how long it can count on Poland’s support.
What do you think? Is this the beginning of the end for the Ukrainian-Polish alliance or just a temporary crisis? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s on whose side in this geopolitical soap opera!
Slug: zelenski-gubi-kljucnog-saveznika-polska-povlaci-drastican-potez
