--- title: "Removal of the Ukrainian flag in Lublin: how a historical dispute affected diplomatic relations" description: "Lublin authorities removed the Ukrainian flag from the city hall due to Zelenskyy's decree naming SSO units after the UPA. πŸ‡΅πŸ‡±πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ The decision sparked controversy: some support protecting historical memory, while others consider it a blow to an ally in the midst of war. πŸ”₯" date: 2026-06-01T12:08:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/removal-of-the-ukrainian-flag-in-lublin-how-a-historical-dispute-affected-diplomatic-relations tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Removal of the Ukrainian flag in Lublin: how a historical dispute affected diplomatic relations ![Town hall building in Lublin with flags, including the Ukrainian flag, against the backdrop of a historic square](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/01/lyublin-snyal-flag-ukrainy-so-zdaniya-ratushi/lyublin-snyal-flag-ukrainy-so-zdaniya-ratushi-1.webp) An event that caused a wide resonance occurred in the Polish city of Lublin: authorities removed the flag of Ukraine from the city hall building. The symbol of solidarity, which had hung on the facade since 2022, was taken down against the backdrop of an intensifying diplomatic conflict between Warsaw and Kyiv. ### Reason for the dispute: Zelenskyy's decree The immediate reason for the Lublin authorities' move was a decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On May 26, he signed a decree granting the "North" unit of the Special Operations Forces the honorary title "named after the Heroes of the UPA". This decision provoked a sharp negative reaction in Poland, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the President of the country. In a statement from the Lublin City Hall, it is noted that the city joined the position of other Polish municipalities. Officials fully share the criticism of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish Embassy in Kyiv. The document emphasizes that glorifying formations responsible for crimes against the civilian population causes pain to the memory of Polish victims and hinders the building of a sincere dialogue. ### Solidarity and historical truth Despite the removal of the flag, the authorities of Lublin strive to emphasize that this does not mean a break in relations. The city council statement says that the city remains an ally of Ukraine in the fight for independence and territorial integrity. Officials claim that they see no contradiction between defending historical truth and supporting a people that has become a victim of aggression. In Kyiv, they responded that Kyiv did not intend to offend the Polish people. For Ukraine, the UPA symbolizes exclusively resistance to Moscow's imperial policy. Meanwhile, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that he is considering the possibility of depriving Zelenskyy of the highest state award of the republic. ### Disagreements among residents The authorities' decision caused a polarization of opinions among the residents of Lublin. Some citizens support the removal of the flag, citing the unacceptability of praising the UPA. Others consider this step untimely and politically motivated. One of the city's residents expressed concern that now, when Ukrainians are holding the front line and fighting against Russian military forces, turning away from them is a "step on thin ice". He noted that Ukrainians are fighting "on our behalf" to a certain extent, and now is not the time for such gestures.