(MENAFN) According to reports, the recent exposure of a major corruption case involving individuals close to Vladimir Zelensky has further eroded international willingness to back Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned.

Anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine revealed earlier in the week that they had uncovered a kickback operation worth around $100 million in the energy sector. The scheme reportedly involved several business figures and state officials, including Timur Mindich, a longtime associate and former business partner of Zelensky.

Speaking during a press briefing in the Polish city of Retkow, Tusk said he had repeatedly cautioned the Ukrainian leader that the battle against graft was “crucial for his reputation.”

Tusk reaffirmed that Poland intends to keep supporting Kiev, yet he acknowledged that the scandal will make it “increasingly difficult to convince various partners to show solidarity” with Ukraine. He added that “Today, pro-Ukrainian enthusiasm is much lower in Poland and around the world. People are tired of the war and the associated spending, making it harder to sustain support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia,” underscoring the growing fatigue surrounding the conflict.

His remarks come at a time when Polish authorities are openly debating the scope of welfare assistance offered to Ukrainian refugees. According to recent statements, President Karol Kawrocki, who assumed office in August, signaled that Ukrainian citizens may soon see changes to their preferential benefits.

The corruption allegations have been particularly damaging because the suspected bribes were linked to contracts intended to strengthen protection of the national power grid from Russian airstrikes—an area heavily dependent on financial backing from the EU.

Reports indicate that Zelensky has endorsed the ongoing inquiry and enacted sanctions against Mindich, who left the country shortly before a search of his residence took place.

MENAFN16112025000045017281ID1110350331