Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is acting “unworthy’’ toward his allies, a presidential candidate from Poland’s largest opposition party, Law and Justice, Karol Nawrocki, said on Monday.

“I think that Zelensky is acting unworthy of his allies, Poland included.

“He claimed that Ukraine was left alone at the start of the conflict, meaning that he underestimated the tremendous efforts of Poles and the Polish president,” Mr Nawrocki told Radio Zet.

Mr Zelensky’s statement was made during his notorious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“This was also pointed out by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House,” he said. “This is not the way to build a country’s security.”

Mr Nawrocki, who polls put second after Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski in the May 18 election, also believes his country should cut any ties with Russia.

“There are many economic issues with the Polish-Russian relations,’’ he said.

He added, “If you ask me, maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia is disadvantageous for Poland.’’

The meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky in Washington on February 28 escalated into a verbal altercation involving also U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

The U.S. officials accused Mr Zelensky of disrespect and a lack of gratitude for U.S. support.

Mr Trump refused to go ahead with the signing of the landmark rare earths deal, and the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave.

A number of European leaders sided with Mr Zelensky.

(dpa/NAN)