Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Russia is trying to worsen relations between Warsaw and Kiev before the upcoming peace talks, reports “Reuters“, BTA reports.
The reason for the comment was a scandal over the raising of the red-and-black flag of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) during a concert at the National Stadium in Warsaw on August 8.
Poland has been among Ukraine's biggest supporters since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, but historical wounds related to the Volhynia Massacre (1943-1945) and dissatisfaction with the influx of refugees have sometimes strained bilateral relations and fueled far-right sentiments in the country.
Despite the public backlash, Tusk stressed that Poles and Ukrainians must remain united, especially ahead of a meeting scheduled for Friday between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It is absolutely important that Putin does not receive gifts before these negotiations, and such a gift would undoubtedly be a conflict between Ukrainians and Poles," he said.
According to him, Russia's actions in Poland are aimed precisely at dividing the two peoples. Russia has not yet commented on the allegations.
At the same time, Polish police announced the detention of 109 people during the concert of Belarusian rapper Max Korzh, including for drug possession and attacks on security guards. It is planned to deport 63 of them - 57 Ukrainians and 6 Belarusians.
The Ukrainian, filmed with the UPA flag, apologized in a video posted on social networks, explaining that he only wanted to express support for his homeland.