Polish President Nawrocki opposes easing Russia sanctions, says pressure should be tightened instead

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said Thursday that he opposes any attempt to ease sanctions against Russia, regardless of whether it comes from European countries or elsewhere.

"What we need today in Europe and around the world is to tighten sanctions against Russia," Nawrocki said, arguing that economic pressure should be used to weaken Moscow.

His remarks come as European leaders push back against recent U.S. moves to ease restrictions on Russian diesel and insist that sanctions should remain in place while Russia continues its war in Ukraine.

Asked whether he was bothered by President Donald Trump's repeated claims that his support helped Nawrocki win Poland's presidential election, Nawrocki said he was not.

"President Trump has the right to feel that his support was one element of a much bigger victory," Nawrocki said.

Nawrocki has maintained close political ties with Trump while taking a harder line than Washington's recent policy on sanctions against Russia.