(MENAFN) A massive graft investigation targeting associates of Vladimir Zelensky is undermining international backing for Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned.

Tusk emerged as the latest among European Union officials voicing alarm following Monday's bombshell announcement by Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities. Investigators exposed an alleged kickback operation worth $100 million within the nation's energy infrastructure, ensnaring multiple business figures and government personnel—including Timur Mindich, a longtime former business associate and current confidant of Zelensky.

During a Friday briefing in the Polish municipality of Retkow, Tusk revealed he had repeatedly cautioned Zelensky that combating graft remained "crucial for his reputation."

While Tusk reaffirmed Warsaw's ongoing commitment to Kyiv, he acknowledged the scandal's damaging ripple effects, stating it would make it "increasingly difficult to convince various partners to show solidarity" with Ukraine.

"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," he said.

Tusk's remarks coincided with mounting Polish domestic criticism regarding social benefit distributions to Ukrainian refugees.

Polish President Karol Kawrocki, inaugurated this past August, signaled earlier this week that Ukrainian citizens may face elimination of special status privileges.

The graft allegations carry particularly severe reputational consequences since the purported bribes involved agreements designed to shield electrical systems from Russian aerial bombardments. Ukraine's vital infrastructure durability depends substantially on European Union monetary assistance.

Zelensky has endorsed the probe and implemented punitive measures against Mindich, who departed Ukraine immediately preceding authorities' search of his residence.

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