Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned the Ukrainian leadership that tolerating corruption could fundamentally weaken Western support in the fight against Russia. He made the remarks in the context of the current corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector, in which at least $100 million has been laundered, according to media reports.

"It will be increasingly difficult to persuade various partners to unite around Ukraine if such facts keep emerging," Tusk said, adding that Western allies are tired of both the war and the huge aid spending. He noted that there is much less "pro-Ukrainian enthusiasm" in Europe and the world today.

The prime minister stressed that he had previously warned President Volodymyr Zelensky against any - even the slightest - hint of corruption in his neighbourhood, as it undermines trust.

He also pointed out that the situation could be a trump card in the hands of Moscow: "For the Russians it has always been a very strong argument - 'what kind of country is this, don't take them seriously at all, this is the most corrupt country'. And some in Europe have even come to believe that Ukraine is more corrupt than Russia," he said.

In response to the scandal, two Ukrainian ministers resigned and several people were detained. President Zelensky intervened "quite forcefully", according to Tusk. Nevertheless, according to the Polish prime minister, reputational damage has already been done.

Tusk also reiterated that Poland will continue to support Ukraine, but stressed that the fight against corruption is crucial to maintaining Western solidarity.

"Once again, I call very strongly on all those who have something to say on this matter in Ukraine: beware of corruption, beware of this Russian model, because if you tolerate such events, you will lose the war," the prime minister concluded.

(Rzeczpospolita, sie)