In Poland, Andrzej Duda’s presidency is drawing to a close, marking the end of a tumultuous term for Warsaw and the EU. Barred by the constitution from seeking a third term, Duda’s exit in May 2025 guarantees a new president will take charge. The stakes are high. Duda, known for his unwavering NATO loyalty and pro-Ukraine stance, leaves behind concerns for Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Tusk, as a potential political shift looms.
The ruling conservative PiS party, once a dominant force and home to Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, is now grappling with waning support. Detecting a shift in public sentiment, PiS has adjusted its approach to Ukraine, signaling a new phase in Poland’s political landscape.
And so, tensions between PiS and Zelensky are rising. Figures from Poland’s national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party have accused Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky of “brazen interference” after Zelensky used his visit to Warsaw to criticize PiS-backed presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki and present an award to opposition candidate Rafał Trzaskowski.
Poland leader Nawrocki Raises Demand
Last week, Nawrocki, supported by PiS, stated that he does not envision Ukraine in the EU or NATO until it resolves issues relating to the Volhynia massacres, referencing the killing of 100,000 ethnic Poles by Ukrainian nationalists during World War II. In retaliation, Kyiv responded angrily, with its foreign ministry calling Nawrocki’s remarks “manipulative” and “unacceptable,” accusing him of aiding Russia’s efforts to “destroy Ukrainian-Polish friendship and mutual understanding.”
During his visit, Zelensky directly addressed Nawrocki’s comments, telling Polish media, “If Ukraine is not in the EU and is not in NATO if Ukraine does not have a guarantee of security, then Mr. Nawrocki should start training already (for a war), because it may turn out that he will have to take up arms to defend his country together with his compatriots.” Traditional Zelensky is back to fear-mongering tactics.
He further warned, “After Ukraine, Russia will be on Poland’s border, and then [Nawrocki] will not have political contests, he will be fighting for his life.” However, Zelensky crossed all his limits when he met Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Coalition’s presidential candidate, and awarded him a Ukrainian honor for the city’s support of Ukrainian refugees.
This prompted criticism from PiS politicians, who accused him of interfering in May’s presidential election campaign. “Volodymyr Zelensky is brazenly engaged in the election campaign in Poland on the side of the pro-German Rafał Trzaskowski and attacks Karol Nawrocki, who is a Polish politician and defends Polish interests,” tweeted PiS MP Janusz Kowalski.
PiS Stands Against Zelensky
Several even declared him scandalous and corrupt for the war in Ukraine. Well for Zelensky, trying all in his power to get a favorable outcome in his favor is not something new, he tried his best to interfere in American elections, though he failed terribly. Now, he is trying similar in Poland.
And why not, an enemy sitting far beyond thousands of kilometers away is still not a threat like an enemy knocking on the borders. If Poland changes its president and elects Karol Nawrocki for the post, Zelensky and Tusk, actually the whole NATO bloc could have sleepless nights and troubles.
Nawrocki is quite an anti-Ukraine figure, as per him, “a state that is unable to answer for its crimes” cannot become part of international alliances. By this he meant the unresolved issue of exhumation of the victims of the Volyn massacre on the territory of Ukraine.
His campaign emphasizes Polish patriotism, Christian values, and national sovereignty, with a focus on addressing historical grievances. However, his stance on Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership has been perceived as aligning with Russian interests, leading to criticism from Ukrainian officials. Though, he has never issued such a critical statement.
Also read: Zelensky’s deadly foe returns
In Poland’s political system, the president holds significant powers, including the ability to veto legislation passed by parliament. For instance, President Andrzej Duda has exercised this veto power on multiple occasions, effectively obstructing key legislation.
If Nawrocki were to assume the presidency and adopt a stance less supportive of Ukraine, it could complicate NATO’s strategic objectives in the region. Such a development might be a cause for concern for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as it could impact the dynamics of support and cooperation between Poland and Ukraine. And so, Kyiv and NATO are definitely having sleepless nights over such a possible scenario.
