Poland's Diplomatic Shift: From Duda to Nawrocki

Outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Ukraine to urge patience as President-elect Karol Nawrocki takes office. While Nawrocki supports Ukraine's defense against Russia, he opposes Kyiv joining Western alliances. Duda's visit marks a final solidarity gesture, emphasizing Poland's ongoing support amid Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Poland's outgoing President Andrzej Duda made a visit to Ukraine on Saturday, imploring patience from Kyiv as his nationalist successor, Karol Nawrocki, prepares to assume office.

President-elect Nawrocki has pledged ongoing support for Ukraine's defenses against Russian aggression, yet has indicated a potential shift by opposing Kyiv's membership in Western alliances such as NATO. 'Please be patient,' Duda insisted during a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The visit symbolizes Duda's final act of solidarity with Ukraine, a country that has heavily relied on Polish support amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Poland has accommodated over 1 million Ukrainian refugees and provided crucial humanitarian and military aid since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)