The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is regarded by Ukrainians as a fundamental element of their fight for independence, while Warsaw accuses it of committing «genocide» against Poles during 1943-45.
On Saturday, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz met with Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, in Warsaw to talk about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to rename a military unit as ‘Heroes of the UPA’.
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Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz shared on X that “Poland and Ukraine cooperate on security. However, when it comes to history, honesty is essential between us”.
“Today, in discussions with General Kyrylo Budanov, head of President Zelenskyy’s office, I clearly expressed Poland’s stance on naming one military unit after the UPA. The remembrance of the Volhynia victims is non-negotiable. There are lines that cannot be crossed,” he emphasized.
As of this article’s release, Kyiv had not publicly commented on the dialogue.
The series of discussions between Ukrainian and Polish officials follow President Karol Nawrocki’s announcement of his intent to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Zelenskyy, Poland’s highest distinction.
Nawrocki’s decision came after Zelenskyy revealed the new designation for the Independent Special Operations Centre unit.
Zelenskyy explained the renaming as an effort “to revive the historical traditions of the national army” and to honour the unit for its role in defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Order of the White Eagle was awarded to Zelenskyy in 2023 by former President Andrzej Duda in recognition of his role in “strengthening friendly and comprehensive ties between Warsaw and Kyiv”.
Duda commended Zelenskyy for enhancing bilateral cooperation supporting democracy, peace, and security across Europe, as well as for his unwavering commitment to «upholding inalienable human rights.»
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also addressed the matter on Friday, stating: “Given the unfortunate decision by the Ukrainian president to name a military unit after the UPA, President Karol Nawrocki’s response was understandable.”
“I urged the Ukrainian side to seek a resolution. This situation has brought the problem upon itself,” Tusk remarked.
“I suggested that Ukraine treat this crisis of trust related to historical sensitivities with seriousness. Both Ukrainian and Polish political leaderships share responsibility to respect each other’s historical emotions,” he added.
Earlier this week, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha appealed for dialogue and stronger ties with Poland in response to rising tensions.
“An intensification of disagreements between Ukraine and Poland does not serve the interests of either Ukrainians or Poles,” Sybiha pointed out.
“Over nearly two years, we have steadily restored constructive dialogue. Searches and exhumations have been enabled. Reburials have occurred at various sites with dignity and in keeping with Christian traditions,” the Ukrainian minister noted.
He also highlighted that the naming of the unit ‘Heroes of the UPA’ was initiated by Ukrainian soldiers, who held “no anti-Polish intentions whatsoever.”
Kyiv seeks dialogue
In Warsaw, talks between the head of President Zelenskyy’s office and government officials are continuing into another day.
On Friday, Budanov met with Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki in meetings reportedly arranged at Kyiv’s request.
Issues related to historical policy and conflicts over the UPA frequently re-emerge in Polish-Ukrainian relations.
The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) functioned as an armed group from 1942 until 1949.
Polish authorities hold the UPA accountable for the genocide of Polish communities in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia between 1943 and 1945. According to estimates by the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and Polish historians, approximately 100,000 to 120,000 Poles were killed in operations linked to the UPA.
Conversely, Ukrainian historians and politicians interpret these events as a bilateral wartime conflict and challenge Poland’s designation of “genocide,” which has been ratified in resolutions by the Polish Sejm and Senate.
Within Ukrainian public opinion, the UPA is honored as a group of courageous fighters striving for Ukraine’s independence and resisting occupiers.
Despite ongoing disputes over historical matters, Poland has consistently supported Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion and remains one of Kyiv’s key allies in defending against Moscow’s forces.