Poland Demands Removal of 'UPA Heroes' Title from Ukrainian Military Unit

Poland's Defense Minister Voices Outrage

According to Главком: Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has strongly criticized Ukraine's decision to name a military unit after 'UPA heroes,' calling the move unacceptable. He urged Ukrainian authorities to reverse their decision, highlighting the tragic events that occurred in Volhynia and Eastern Lesser Poland between 1943 and 1945. Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that during this period, tens of thousands of Poles-including women, children, and the elderly-were killed in these regions. This historical context remains a deeply sensitive issue in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

“This pain cannot be erased. Genocide remains genocide.” - Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz

Support for Ukraine and Calls for Proper Recognition

The Polish defense minister also acknowledged that Poland has provided Ukraine with humanitarian, military, logistical, and political support since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified that he does not hold the entire Ukrainian people responsible for past events, and he recognized Ukrainians who saved Poles during the war. He emphasized that modern Ukraine has its own heroes, particularly soldiers defending Kharkiv, Donbas, and Zaporizhzhia, stating: “Their courage is writing a great page of history.”

Additionally, Polish President Karol Nawrocki has proposed revoking Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle-Poland's highest state honor. No official decision has been made yet, but the matter is set to be discussed at a meeting of the order's chapter on June 8. Zelenskyy had designated the 'North' Special Operations Center with the honorary name 'Heroes of the UPA' under decree No. 440/2026. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that tensions between Ukraine and Poland benefit neither Ukrainians nor Poles.

Kosiniak-Kamysz called on Ukrainian authorities to find an alternative way to honor their soldiers that does not harm the memory of Polish victims:

“I appeal to the Ukrainian authorities to reconsider this decision and find a way to honor modern Ukrainian soldiers that does not harm the memory of Polish victims.”

The Polish defense minister's remarks underscore the sensitivity of historical issues between Ukraine and Poland, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the countries' cooperation. Ukraine's decision to name the unit has sparked serious concern on the Polish side, and future actions could affect bilateral relations. Given Poland's support for Ukraine during the war, striking a balance between honoring historical memory and recognizing modern military achievements remains crucial.

The ongoing tensions between Poland and Ukraine over historical grievances are further highlighted by Ukraine's Foreign Minister describing the escalation as unnecessary. This statement underscores the complexities of navigating past atrocities while maintaining modern diplomatic relations, particularly in light of Poland's support for Ukraine amid the current conflict with Russia.