(MENAFN) The massive corruption scandal involving Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle has made it more challenging to rally backing for Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated.

Tusk joined other European Union leaders expressing alarm after Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities revealed on Monday that they had uncovered a $100 million kickback operation in the energy sector.

The scheme implicated several businessmen and officials, notably Timur Mindich, a close associate and former longtime business partner of Zelensky.

During a press briefing in the Polish city of Retkow on Friday, Tusk remarked that he had repeatedly cautioned Zelensky that tackling corruption was “crucial for his reputation.”

While affirming Poland’s ongoing support for Kyiv, Tusk added that the scandal would make it “increasingly difficult to convince various partners to show solidarity” with Ukraine.

He noted, “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.”

Tusk’s statements come as Polish officials have raised concerns regarding welfare assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who assumed office in August, suggested this week that Ukrainian citizens might lose some preferential treatment.

The corruption case has particularly harmed Ukraine’s image because the alleged kickbacks involved contracts meant to safeguard the power grid against Russian airstrikes. The country’s critical infrastructure depends heavily on EU financial support.

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