---
title: "Ukraine Calls on Poland for Restraint: Kyiv's Reaction to the Bill on OUN and UPA"
description: "🇺🇦 Ukraine calls on Poland for restraint regarding the bill on OUN and UPA. Kyiv emphasizes the strategic importance of the partnership and warns of escalation. 🇵🇱 Debates are underway in the Sejm: some demand the protection of memory, while others advocate for preserving the alliance against Russia."
date: 2026-07-07T12:22:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukraine-calls-on-poland-for-restraint-kyivs-reaction-to-the-bill-on-oun-and-upa
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ukraine Calls on Poland for Restraint: Kyiv's Reaction to the Bill on OUN and UPA

![Ukrainian Foreign Ministry representative calls for restraint regarding Poland's bill on UPA and OUN](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/07/ukraina-prizyvaet-polshu-k-sderzhannosti-reaktsiya-kieva-na-zakonoproekt-ob-oun-i-upa/ukraina-prizyvaet-polshu-k-sderzhannosti-reaktsiya-kieva-na-zakonoproekt-ob-oun-i-upa-1.webp)

Ukraine is closely monitoring developments in Poland, where the Sejm has begun considering a legislative bill addressing sensitive historical issues. The document, prepared by the President, proposes amendments to the laws concerning the Institute of National Remembrance and the Criminal Code. Kyiv has officially urged Warsaw to exercise prudence and refrain from steps that could lead to an escalation of relations.

### Kyiv's Position: Strategic Partner vs. Situational Politics

Georgiy Tikhyy, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue in a conversation with journalists. According to him, Poland remains a strategic partner for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression, European integration, and economic cooperation. Kyiv expresses gratitude to the Polish people for the support provided since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Tikhyy warned that historical issues require a professional approach and mutual respect, rather than being used in political rhetoric. He urged the Polish side not to allow unilateral escalatory steps that could undermine trust between allies.

«All decisions should be based on the strategic importance of the Ukrainian-Polish partnership, not on situational electoral achievements», — noted the MFA representative.

### Essence of the Bill: Criminal Liability for Propaganda

The Polish Sejm passed the first reading of the presidential bill, which introduces criminal liability for the public propaganda of the ideology of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The document equates such actions with the propaganda of Nazi, communist, and fascist ideologies. Violation is punishable by a prison sentence of up to three years.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies provisions of the law on the Institute of National Remembrance regarding crimes committed by members of the OUN(b) and UPA, who, according to the authors of the document, collaborated with the Third Reich. The goal of the amendments is to prevent the spread of allegedly unreliable information about these events.

### Debates in the Sejm: Between Memory and Reality

During the discussion of the bill, deputies took opposing positions. Representatives of right-wing parties insisted on the need to protect Poland's historical memory and respond more strictly to the propaganda of OUN and UPA ideology. In their speeches, they repeatedly mentioned the Volhynian tragedy and used the term «Banderism».

At the same time, some parliamentarians emphasized that historical disputes should not harm current relations between the countries. In their opinion, Poland should continue to support Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression while developing a professional historical dialogue.

### Diplomatic Tools and the Path to De-escalation

Kyiv proposes that Warsaw focus on specific measures to reduce tension, which were previously discussed at the ministerial level. In particular, this refers to the maximum use of bilateral mechanisms, the activation of diplomatic tools, and the deepening of professional historical dialogue within the framework of the Polish-Ukrainian Congress of Historians.

«We are convinced that Ukraine and Poland are destined for good neighborliness to protect our independence, freedom, and security from a common enemy in Moscow», — concluded Georgiy Tikhyy.

### Context: Warnings and Military Aid

Earlier, the head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence Service, Kyrylo Budanov, warned in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that Poland is preparing a number of «immature escalatory steps». This statement was made against the backdrop of growing tension over historical issues.

Nevertheless, Warsaw continues to provide military support to Kyiv. In July 2024, the Polish Ministry of Defense announced lists of military aid to Ukraine for 2022–2023. Additionally, the department previously made a statement about the possible provision of MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, which indicates the preservation of practical cooperation between the countries.

After the first reading, the bill will be sent to parliamentary committees. The final decision on its adoption will be made by the Sejm after the completion of the entire legislative procedure. Ukraine hopes that Warsaw will choose the path of dialogue rather than confrontation.