Diplomatic relations between Poland and Ukraine have reached a critical point. Official Warsaw has issued a stern demand to Kyiv: to annul the decision to award the Special Operations Forces unit the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA". Otherwise, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces the loss of Poland's highest state award.
Ultimatum from Polish leadership
This was stated by Marcin Pshidacz, head of the Office of International Policy of the President of Poland. According to him, the "ball is now on Ukraine's side," and the Polish side considers this approach fair. Warsaw expects real steps from Kyiv aimed at improving bilateral relations.
"The Ukrainian side has time to properly analyze the value of its relations with Poland. It knows perfectly well what needs to be done to improve these relations," Pshidacz emphasized.
If the reaction from Kyiv is not positive, the procedure for stripping the award will be finalized by a decision of the President of Poland. "The President will make a decision on this matter sooner rather than later," warned the representative of the Polish administration.
Cause of conflict: historical memory
The dispute flared up after Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree awarding the Separate Special Operations Center "North" the honorary title "named after the Heroes of the UPA". This decision provoked a stormy reaction in Polish society. Many Polish citizens expressed disappointment, pointing to the scale of assistance their country has provided to Ukraine in recent years.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki called Kyiv's move evidence of Ukraine's unpreparedness to join the EU. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also officially called the Ukrainian side's actions a mistake and urged to rectify the situation.
Domestic resonance
The historical dispute provoked a scandal within Poland itself. Deputy Minister of Science Andrzej Szeptycki compared UPA fighters to the Polish anti-communist underground. This statement provoked anger in the office of President Duda, where the official's immediate resignation was demanded.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attacks on Szeptycki unacceptable and urged Polish politicians to refrain from actions contrary to European values.
Before the latest statements from Warsaw, a meeting of the knights of the Order of the White Eagle took place, where the fate of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's award was discussed. The participants of the meeting passed their conclusions to the President of Ukraine, insisting on the need for dialogue and respect for the historical feelings of both countries.