A diplomatic dispute is gaining momentum in Warsaw, triggered by a recent decree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Polish authorities have openly stated that they expect Kyiv to rectify the decision to award a Ukrainian Armed Forces unit the honorary title 'named after the Heroes of the UPA'. At the center of the discussion are complex historical issues which, according to Polish politicians, should not become a tool for dividing two allies.
'Zelenskyy made a mistake': the Foreign Minister's position
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski did not hide his stance on the matter. During a meeting with residents of Tarnogród in the Lublin Voivodeship, he stated directly that he considers the actions of the Ukrainian leader to be erroneous. According to Sikorski, history is complex, and not all figures revered by one country can be accepted by another.
The key point of the conflict is the differing perception of the history of the UPA. Sikorski emphasized that while Ukraine associates the UPA with resistance against Soviet power, for Poland, this name is inextricably linked to the tragedy of Volhynia. The Foreign Minister expressed hope that the Ukrainian side would take these sensitive moments into account and find a way to amend the decree during ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Sikorski also warned of geopolitical risks. In his opinion, Poland has every right to be disappointed and demand a review of the decision, but cannot allow the Russian narrative to divide the two countries. 'Because then both Ukraine and Poland will lose,' the minister noted.
Diplomacy instead of sanctions: the Ministry of Defense's position
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Poland Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that the topic of the UPA will be one of the main points in his upcoming negotiations with his Ukrainian colleague Mykhailo Fedorov. The minister emphasized the importance of the issue but spoke out against radical steps.
In particular, Kosiniak-Kamysz sharply criticized the proposal by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. In the opinion of the Defense Minister, such a discussion will not yield practical results but could provoke dangerous anti-Ukrainian sentiments in society. 'Everything must be done to annul this decision,' he added, referring specifically to the decree on the unit's name, not the stripping of awards.
Criticism of 'media stunts' and historical context
Polish Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński supported his colleagues in their assessment of the situation. He stated that Warsaw has the right to call Zelenskyy's actions unacceptable, but criticized Nawrocki's idea to strip the order. Kierwiński called it inappropriate for the President of Poland to resort to a 'media stunt' in an attempt to demonstrate toughness.
According to the minister, besides historical truth, there is also a cool-headed assessment of the geopolitical situation. The conflict over the decree arose after Zelenskyy signed a document on May 26 awarding the Separate Special Operations Center 'North' the name 'Heroes of the UPA'. The justification cited exemplary performance of combat tasks and the restoration of historical traditions.
The decision caused an immediate reaction in Warsaw. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the decree 'causes concern' and violates Polish historical sensitivity. In response, President Nawrocki proposed bringing the issue of annulling the award presented to Zelenskyy in 2023 to a meeting of the Order of the White Eagle Chapter. However, most Polish officials lean towards the view that dialogue and diplomatic pressure are more effective tools than symbolic punishments.