Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that at the very beginning of Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency, he warned him about a key Russian narrative — promoting the image of a “corrupt Ukraine.” He said this in an interview with Polsat News amid the corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector.
Source: “Espreso”
Tusk emphasized that the Kremlin and pro-Russian political forces in Europe have used the topic of corruption for years to undermine trust in Ukraine. For this reason, he warned Zelensky to be extremely cautious about any possible signs of corruption within his circle. According to the prime minister, this is crucial for Ukraine’s international reputation.
At the same time, Tusk confirmed that Poland will continue supporting Kyiv, as an independent Ukraine is in Warsaw’s strategic interest. However, he acknowledged that due to the recent corruption scandals, “it is becoming increasingly difficult to convince partners of the need to maintain solidarity.”
The Polish prime minister noted that global enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine is declining — people are tired of the war and the financial costs.
Tusk also recalled the attempt to limit the independence of NABU and SAPO in July, calling it a mistake. Yet he stressed that Ukraine and President Zelensky are now demonstrating readiness to hold those responsible accountable.
Regarding the international reaction to the scandal in the energy sector:
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the situation “extremely unfortunate”;
- The European Commission stated that this shows Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies are functioning and able to detect violations even at the highest level.
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