Relations between Kyiv and Warsaw are once again under strain due to historical issues. Poland reacted sharply to the initiative by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to create a National Pantheon, calling it a step leading to an escalation of tensions.
Sharp Reaction from the Office of the President of Poland
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, the press service of Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that the submission of the bill on the pantheon is a continuation of "actions of an escalatory nature." The statement emphasizes that this step logically follows the decision by Ukrainian authorities at the end of May to name one of the military units after the "heroes of the UPA".
Warsaw also touched upon the topic of awards. The Office of Nawrocki noted that the Polish leader was right when he warned about the possibility of revoking the Order of the White Eagle from Zelensky, and ultimately made that decision. The official text of the statement reads: "As seen from the wave of criticism that has befallen Mr. President from the ruling circles, who now themselves admit the correctness of the President — the firm defense of Polish affairs by Karol Nawrocki is correct".
Goals of the Ukrainian Initiative
The bill itself was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada on Sunday, June 28. The document provides for the creation of a memorial dedicated to outstanding figures of national history. According to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, the adoption of the law will be an important step for "restoring historical justice and consolidating Ukrainian society".
The idea of creating a Pantheon was voiced by Volodymyr Zelensky as early as April. The first practical step in implementing this ambitious program was the return of the remains of Andriy Melnyk and his wife Sofia from Luxembourg for reburial in their homeland.
