Tusk Reveals Zelensky’s Opposition to Declaring 2027 as the Year of the UPA

Recent Tensions Between Ukraine and Poland

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The latest strain in Ukraine-Poland relations unfolded following the Lviv Regional Council’s decision to designate 2027 as the Year of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and Roman Shukhevych. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that he would not support advancing this initiative if the decision depended on him. During a press conference in India, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk conveyed Zelensky’s strong dissatisfaction with the resolution.

Responses and Future Outlook

Tusk spent considerable time discussing with Zelensky Poland’s perspective on the issue, aiming to resolve the so-called "orders crisis." The Polish prime minister suggested that the Lviv council’s move might have been a deliberate provocation. After a Ukrainian Armed Forces unit received the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA," Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle on June 19, 2026. Warsaw reacted negatively to this act, and Zelensky returned the order to the Polish president by mail.

This sequence of events triggered a backlash in Poland, including a surge in anti-Ukrainian incidents fueled by nationality-based hostility. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Lviv council’s decision as counterproductive. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized the importance of exercising caution when choosing historical figures for commemoration, stating:

"Each nation decides for itself who its heroes are." – Radosław Sikorski

Sikorski also warned that disregarding Poland’s sensitivities on historical matters could hinder Ukraine’s path toward European integration.

The complex history between Ukraine and Poland has long influenced their bilateral relations, and recent developments highlight the need for a careful approach to honoring historical personalities. Constructive dialogue remains essential to maintaining regional stability and supporting Ukraine’s European aspirations. Resolving this dispute amicably could be a pivotal step in strengthening ties and preventing further tensions.