The diplomatic resonance triggered by the conferral of an honorary title upon a Ukrainian special unit required an immediate clarification from Kyiv. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiga, issued an official response to Warsaw's outrage over the decision to name the Separate Center for Special Operations "North" after the heroes of the UPA.
The Military Chose the Name Themselves
The head of the Ukrainian MFA emphasized that the initiative to choose the name came directly from the defenders themselves. According to Sybiga, Ukrainian servicemen deserve unconditional respect, as it is they who, at the cost of their health and lives, are holding the front line, protecting Europe from the Russian threat.
The Minister categorically denied any anti-Polish intentions on the part of the military. In his statement, he noted that for the soldiers, the issue was solely about honoring those who fought against imperial Moscow, Bolshevik occupation, and repression many years ago.
Call for Dialogue and Common Security
Vladimir Sybiga reminded that Ukraine, like Poland, has gone through a difficult struggle for independence. Despite the disagreements that have arisen, Kyiv expresses gratitude to Warsaw for its leadership role in supporting the country during the war.
The Minister urged the parties to discuss even the most difficult issues in a spirit of mutual understanding. "One cannot undermine constructive dialogue and rev up the flywheel of hatred," he stated, pointing out that a threat from Russia once again looms over all European peoples.
The key message of the statement was a demand to lower the emotional temperature. Sybiga proposed leaving controversial issues of shared history to professional historians, while politicians should focus on countering the common enemy and strengthening European security.
Context of the Conflict
The cause of the diplomatic commotion was a decree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dated May 26, which conferred the title "named after the Heroes of the UPA" upon the Separate Center for Special Operations "North". The decision was made in recognition of the exemplary performance of combat tasks by the servicemen.
Poland's reaction was extremely harsh. The country's President, Karol Nawrocki, stated that he is considering the possibility of depriving Zelenskyy of Poland's highest state award. At the same time, the authorities of the city of Lublin demonstratively removed the Ukrainian flag from the town hall building, which had hung there since 2022 as a sign of solidarity. Calls to block Ukraine's accession to the EU due to Kyiv's decision are also being heard in Polish society.
The Ukrainian MFA once again emphasized that Kyiv's goal was not to offend the Polish people. For Ukraine, the UPA remains a symbol of the struggle against imperial policy and occupation, however, the ministry strives to maintain relations with its neighbor in accordance with security priorities.