Poland Presses Ukraine to Reverse Military Unit's Naming After UPA Insurgents

Polish Defense Minister Meets with Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office

According to Главком: Poland's Defense Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, held talks with Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Office of the President. A key topic was Poland's demand that Ukraine revoke the decision to name one of its military units after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that the memory of the Volhynia massacre victims is non-negotiable, stating:

'Poland and Ukraine are security partners. But when it comes to history, we must speak the truth to each other-only then can we build a future.'

Disputed Issues on the Table

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has also proposed revoking the Order of the White Eagle-Poland's highest state honor-from Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This matter is set to be discussed at the chapter meeting of the Order of the White Eagle scheduled for June 8. The controversy stems from Zelenskyy's decree No. 440/2026, which granted the honorary designation 'named after the Heroes of the UPA' to the Special Operations Center 'North.' The decree was signed to restore historical traditions and in recognition of the unit's combat missions.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, stated that escalating tensions between Ukraine and Poland serves no one's benefit. Meanwhile, a group of Polish public figures, journalists, artists, and former democratic opposition members issued a joint statement on Ukrainian-Polish relations. Signatories included:

• Zbigniew Bujak
• Władysław Frasyniuk
• Paweł Kasprzak
• Cezary Łazarewicz
• Piotr Niemczyk
• Andrzej Seweryn
• Krzysztof Skiba

Kosiniak-Kamysz also voiced outrage over the glorification of the UPA, calling the issue unacceptable to Polish society. These discussions highlight the fragility of Ukrainian-Polish relations, caught between the weight of historical memory and modern political realities.

The meeting underscores ongoing strains in Ukrainian-Polish ties, rooted in unresolved historical grievances-particularly the Volhynia tragedy. As both nations strive to maintain a strategic security partnership, the role of historical memory is becoming increasingly critical. Without a compromise, this dispute could jeopardize future cooperation between Ukraine and Poland.

In light of the ongoing tensions surrounding military recognition and historical grievances, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has addressed Poland's suggestion to revoke President Zelenskyy's prestigious award. This response underscores the delicate balance in Ukrainian-Polish relations as both nations navigate their shared history while striving for a cooperative future.