**Poland and Romania Hold Presidential Elections Amid Russian Interference and Far-Right Surge**
Today, Poland and Romania are holding presidential elections, which are being closely watched across Europe due to concerns about foreign meddling and a potential shift in regional policy towards Ukraine.
In Romania, the election is a tight runoff between far-right candidate George Simion and pro-EU Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. Simion secured nearly 40% of the vote in the first round on May 4 and has called for Ukraine to compensate Romania for its aid contributions. “Ukraine needs us, we don’t need Ukraine,” Simion said during a televised debate on May 8.
If elected, Simion’s presidency could realign Romania’s foreign policy at a critical moment in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Polls show the two candidates neck-and-neck, with an AtlasIntel survey on May 13 placing both at 48.2%. Voting in Romania began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 9 p.m.
Romania has played a vital role in Ukraine’s defense and humanitarian response, donating a U.S.-made Patriot missile system in 2024, signing a bilateral security agreement with Kyiv, and facilitating grain exports through the Black Sea. The current election follows the annulment of the initial first round in November 2024, which Romania’s Constitutional Court invalidated over evidence of social media manipulation and foreign interference.
**Russian Interference Alleged in Poland**
Meanwhile, in Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russian hackers attacked websites of ruling coalition parties just days before the presidential vote. “Two days before the elections, a group of Russian hackers operating on Telegram attacked the websites of Civic Platform,” Tusk wrote on X.
Poland’s Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski earlier described Russia’s interference as “unprecedented,” alleging Moscow launched hybrid attacks to disrupt state functions and destabilize the electoral process. Polish voters are choosing among candidates including Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, the frontrunner, and Poland 2050 leader Szymon Holownia.
Several candidates have drawn scrutiny for pro-Russian rhetoric, with far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen facing criticism for his connections to nationalist circles critical of Poland’s support for Ukraine. Karol Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, has been criticized for remarks seen as sympathetic to Moscow.
**What’s at Stake?**
Both Poland and Romania have emerged as key allies of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, providing robust military, economic, and humanitarian support. The elections come at a critical moment, with concerns about Russian interference and a potential shift in regional policy towards Ukraine.
If elected, the presidents of both countries could play a crucial role in shaping their nations’ foreign policies and potentially affecting the course of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
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