Poland's Political Divide: Zelenskiy's Diplomatic Balancing Act

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet Poland's President Karol Nawrocki in Warsaw, aiming to reaffirm Ukraine's partnership with its ally amidst political shifts. Amidst rising anti-Ukrainian sentiments and internal political divisions, the visit underscores the complexity of maintaining Poland's support for Ukraine's war efforts against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is poised to meet Poland's President Karol Nawrocki in Warsaw, as Kyiv seeks to strengthen ties with a critical ally. The visit occurs as European Union leaders, previously criticized by former U.S. President Donald Trump, unite to financially back Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression for two years.

While Poland broadly agrees on the necessity of supporting Ukraine, rising anti-Ukrainian sentiments, especially among right-wing voters, have intensified tensions. Nawrocki, reflecting this shift, required Zelenskiy to visit Warsaw in gratitude before considering a reciprocal visit to Kyiv, indicating a cooler stance compared to his predecessor Andrzej Duda.

Nawrocki's alignment with Trump's supporters may prove strategically advantageous for Zelenskiy, who needs allies with connections to global power brokers. As Poland navigates internal political rifts, the battle for Ukraine's support in their conflict with Russia becomes a crucial point in the broader political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)