Editor’s note: The story is being updated.

Conservative historian Karol Nawrocki was inaugurated as Poland’s new president in a ceremony on Aug. 6 after securing a narrow election victory in June.

His presidency signals a new chapter for Polish-Ukrainian relations, as Nawrocki has voiced skepticism regarding Ukraine’s EU and NATO prospects while drawing attention to historical grievances.

Nawrocki took the oath of office during a formal ceremony in the Sejm, Poland’s lower house of parliament, after narrowly winning the June presidential election. He succeeds Andrzej Duda, a staunch supporter of Ukraine who served for a decade.

In his inaugural address, Nawrocki reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to the EU but stressed national sovereignty, declaring, “Poland is a member of the European Union, but it will not become the European Union — it is Poland and it will remain Poland.”

Outside the Sejm, supporters gathered to celebrate his inauguration, chanting slogans backing the new head of state.

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