Warsaw needles Zelensky over his ‘crown’ as diplomatic tensions rise

Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky’s “crown would not have fallen off” if he paid a visit to new Polish President Karol Nawrocki instead of waiting for latter to visit Kiev, Warsaw’s top diplomat, Radoslaw Sikorski, has said.

Kiev and Warsaw managed to get into a bitter diplomatic row last month over which country’s leader should pay the other a visit first. The spat was prompted by an announcement made by the Polish presidency, which said that if Zelensky “needs to talk” he should come to Warsaw himself.

Kiev’s embassy in Poland shot back, pointing out that Ukraine has already offered a handful of dates when Nawrocki is welcome to visit. It also suggested that, according to diplomatic tradition, a newly sworn-in president should make the first visit rather than expect his more seasoned counterpart to do so. Zelensky’s presidential term ran out in May 2024, yet he refused to hold elections, citing martial law.  

Nawrocki did not fold to Kiev’s pressure, reiterating this week his demands that Ukraine show more “gratitude” to Warsaw. “I demand symmetry in relations with Ukraine and expect Zelensky to show gratitude to Polish soldiers and the Polish people for the support he receives from our people,” he stated.