Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday emphasized the critical importance of maintaining strong and friendly relations with neighboring Poland, as the country prepares to welcome its new nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki, who has expressed opposition to Ukraine's bid for NATO membership.

Nawrocki secured victory in Poland’s presidential election earlier this month following a campaign marked by sharp criticism of Ukraine. He accused President Zelensky of displaying "indecent" behavior towards allied nations and questioned Ukraine’s appreciation for Poland’s support during its ongoing war with Russia.

Despite recent tensions, Poland remains one of Ukraine’s closest allies, serving as a key logistics hub for Western military aid in support of Kyiv’s defense against Russia’s invasion, now in its fourth year.

President Zelensky hosted outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda in Kyiv on Saturday ahead of Nawrocki’s official inauguration, scheduled for August 6.

"Poland is now preparing for the inauguration of its new president, Karol Nawrocki," Zelensky said during a joint press conference with Duda. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that relations between our countries continue to grow stronger."

Zelensky underscored the need to preserve mutual understanding and solidarity between Ukraine and Poland, calling it "extremely important" amid shifting political dynamics.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Poland has taken in over one million Ukrainian refugees. However, anti-Ukrainian sentiment has grown in some segments of Polish society, particularly during the recent election campaign.

In May, Nawrocki accused Ukraine of failing to show sufficient gratitude for Poland’s support, calling Zelensky "insolent" in his public remarks. While Nawrocki has pledged to continue backing Ukraine's war effort, he has also criticized certain forms of assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees.

President Duda, speaking alongside Zelensky, expressed confidence in Nawrocki’s ability to maintain positive bilateral relations.

"From behind the president's desk, the world looks a little different especially compared to the position of a candidate during an election," Duda noted. “I believe the new president will build the best possible neighborly relations for the future of both countries.”