Andrzej Duda vs Sergei Lavrov

Duda won the Polish presidential election as the candidate of the Law and Justice party, defeating incumbent Bronis

Duda refused to swear in three judges appointed by the previous government to the Constitutional Tribunal, sparking a constitutional crisis. The Law and Justice government's judicial reforms were criticized by the EU.

Duda vetoed a controversial law that would have given the government control over public media appointments. The veto was seen as a rare check on the Law and Justice party's legislative agenda.

Duda won re-election in a closely contested runoff against Rafa

Duda strongly supported Ukraine after Russia's invasion, advocating for EU sanctions and NATO assistance. Poland became a key hub for military aid and refugees, though relations later strained over grain imports.

Lavrov was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation by President Vladimir Putin. He succeeded Igor Ivanov and became the longest-serving Russian foreign minister in the post-Soviet era.

Lavrov defended Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine at the United Nations and in international forums. He argued that the move was legal under international law and protected ethnic Russians.

Lavrov led diplomatic efforts to support the Assad government in Syria. He negotiated with the US and other powers, securing Russia's military intervention and shaping the political settlement process.

Lavrov justified Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to the international community. He faced widespread condemnation and sanctions, and Russia was isolated in many international organizations.