Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will meet Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki in Warsaw on Friday, a visit aimed at reinforcing ties with one of Kyiv’s most important regional allies at a sensitive point in the war with Russia.
The meeting comes as European Union leaders have agreed to secure new borrowing to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years, giving Kyiv fresh backing as the conflict enters a critical phase.
Poland has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters since Russia launched its full scale invasion, providing military aid and hosting millions of refugees. Officials in Warsaw broadly agree that backing Kyiv helps keep Russian forces farther from Poland’s borders.
At the same time, public sentiment has shifted. Rising fatigue over refugee support and economic costs has fueled tensions that now shape domestic politics.
Nawrocki, a nationalist who won the presidency earlier this year, has taken a cooler approach to relations with Kyiv than his predecessor Andrzej Duda. His stance reflects growing divisions on the Polish right, where some voters argue that Poland has given too much.
Ahead of the visit, Nawrocki said Zelenskiy should travel to Warsaw to acknowledge Poland’s support before expecting reciprocal gestures.
“We should support Ukraine, and we do,” Nawrocki said in an interview published Monday by wp.pl. He added that Poland must also ensure Ukraine treats it as a partner, saying many Poles no longer feel that balance exists.
“The conflict has been going on for nearly four years, and I have the impression that we often do not feel like partners in this relationship,” he said.
Zelenskiy confirmed the Warsaw trip earlier this week, describing relations with Poland as “very important” for Ukraine’s future.
Analysts say the meeting carries added weight given Nawrocki’s political ties. Wojciech Przybylski, head of the Res Publica Foundation think tank, said Nawrocki’s connections could matter for Kyiv.
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“Zelenskiy needs allies who have some access to Donald Trump’s circle,” Przybylski said. “Nawrocki is signaling that he holds influence and wants to position himself as a meaningful player for Ukraine.”
Nawrocki was endorsed by Trump during Poland’s presidential campaign, a factor that may now shape his international profile.
Nawrocki’s election victory in June relied heavily on voters aligned with far right parties that criticize continued support for Ukraine. Those views are gaining traction.
A Pollster survey published Tuesday by the Super Express tabloid found that 57 percent of respondents held a negative view of Poland’s decision to spend one hundred million dollars on US arms intended for Ukraine.
Despite those numbers, Polish officials continue to frame support for Kyiv as a security priority.
