--- title: "European Parliament backs Ukraine but urges smoothing of tensions with Poland" description: "The European Parliament supported Ukraine's path to EU accession but expressed regret in the resolution over renaming an AFU unit in honor of the UPA, calling it a blow to relations with Poland. Kyiv supported the calls for accession but deemed the historical amendments inappropriate. πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ‡΅πŸ‡±" date: 2026-07-08T13:20:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/european-parliament-backs-ukraine-but-urges-smoothing-of-tensions-with-poland tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # European Parliament backs Ukraine but urges smoothing of tensions with Poland ![European Parliament session in Strasbourg: MEPs discuss support for Ukraine and dialogue with Poland](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/09/evroparlament-podderzhal-ukrainu-no-treboval-sgladit-ugly-v-otnosheniyah-s-polshhej/evroparlament-podderzhal-ukrainu-no-treboval-sgladit-ugly-v-otnosheniyah-s-polshhej-1.webp) The European Parliament has adopted a resolution reaffirming Ukraine's course towards joining the European Union. The document received the support of the majority of MEPs; however, important amendments regarding historical disagreements between Kyiv and Warsaw were included in the text. In particular, parliamentarians expressed regret over the decision by the Ukrainian leadership to rename an elite unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in honor of the heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). ### Controversial amendment regarding Polish sentiments MEPs noted that the feelings and grief of the Polish side were not taken into account when renaming the military unit. The document explicitly states that this decision undermines good neighborly relations. European deputies are calling for the de-escalation of tensions and the resumption of efforts in a spirit of goodwill for the sake of reconciliation. The amendment, which became part of a broader report by German MEP Michael Gahler, was prepared by the European People's Party. The topic of the UPA remains extremely sensitive for Poland due to events of the Second World War, specifically the Volhynian tragedy. At the same time, in Ukraine, fighters of the insurgent army are revered by many as heroes for their struggle against Soviet power and Nazi Germany. ### Voting and accession conditions The resolution was adopted with a result of 460 votes in favor, 136 against, and 59 abstentions. It is important to note that the document does not have binding legal force but sets a political direction. The report positively assessed Ukraine's efforts to strengthen democratic institutions under wartime conditions. Michael Gahler emphasized that Russia's aggressive war has accelerated positive changes in the country that began in 2014. However, to continue its progress on the path to the EU, Kyiv must continue judicial reforms and guarantee the unhindered work of anti-corruption institutions. ### Kyiv's reaction: support and inappropriateness The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reacted ambivalently to the adoption of the report. The ministry's press secretary, Georgiy Tikhii, stated that Ukraine welcomes the support of the European Parliament, especially the calls to open negotiation clusters, increase assistance to Kyiv, and intensify sanctions pressure on Russia. However, the MFA called the inclusion of amendments regarding Ukrainian-Polish historical issues in the report inappropriate. According to Tikhii, complex historical topics should be discussed in a bilateral format and within the framework of a professional dialogue between historians and experts, rather than in the context of pan-European reports. "Our unwavering position is that the Ukrainian and Polish peoples are partners and allies united by a shared responsibility for the security of Europe," the press secretary emphasized, confirming readiness for a constructive dialogue. ### Background of the conflict Tensions between the countries escalated after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Independent Center for Special Operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA" at the end of May. This decision provoked a sharp reaction in Warsaw. In response, on June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. The next day, the Ukrainian President returned the award to Poland, publishing a photo of the dispatch. Later, former Ukrainian leaders also renounced Polish awards: Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk subsequently called on Kyiv and Warsaw to seek steps to reduce tensions and resume dialogue to prevent the escalation of the conflict between allies.