Ukrainian Delegation Holds Talks in Poland
A Ukrainian delegation led by Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov traveled to Warsaw for discussions with Polish officials. The main topic was the honorary naming of a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces unit after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which drew a reaction from Poland. According to Wirtualna Polska, no breakthrough in bilateral relations was achieved.
The Ukrainian side reportedly explored the possibility of changing the unit's name, considering a version that would reference only UPA members who fought against the Soviet Union. The final decision on this matter rests with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The talks involved Budanov, Iryna Vereshchuk, and Serhiy Kyslytsia, who met with Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski did not participate in the negotiations.
Complexities in Ukraine-Poland Dialogue
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed the unacceptability of glorifying the UPA due to the Volhynia tragedy of 1943-1945. In late May, he had already criticized the decision to grant the honorary name of Heroes of the UPA, stating that
“the memory of the victims of Volhynia is not up for debate”- Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that for Ukrainian soldiers, the UPA's struggle symbolizes resistance to Russian imperialism, and that modern Russia remains a common enemy for both Ukraine and Poland. However, despite this stance, comments from Polish officials highlight the difficulty of dialogue between the two countries on historical issues.
This situation underscores the tension between Ukraine and Poland regarding shared history and memory, particularly concerning World War II events. Despite aligned interests in countering Russian aggression, historical wounds—especially those tied to UPA activities—remain sensitive topics in bilateral relations. It is crucial for both nations to find paths for constructive dialogue to avoid further escalation of tensions and to identify common ground in their shared past.
The ongoing discussions between Ukraine and Poland highlight the complexities surrounding historical narratives. As tensions rise over the proposed naming of a military unit, Poland's insistence on reversing the military unit's name reflects deeper issues in bilateral relations that continue to affect both nations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as Ukraine navigates its path forward in honoring its historical figures while managing international perceptions.