Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz plans to discuss Ukraine’s recent decision to name a military unit after the UPA with his Ukrainian counterpart following controversy over the honor.
The Controversy Over the UPA Designation
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named a military unit “Heroes of the UPA.” In response, Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance, announced he would propose the revocation of Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle, which was awarded by former President Andrzej Duda in 2023, during the upcoming June 8th Chapter of the Order meeting.
Diplomatic Efforts and Ministerial Talks
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that while discussing the removal of the order may not yield immediate results, he is actively working to resolve the situation. He intends to speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov this week, emphasizing that the UPA designation remains a priority.
Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed he discussed the matter with Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar on Tuesday. He also noted that a formal diplomatic note was delivered to a summoned Ukrainian attaché last week regarding the naming decision.
Historical Disputes Over the UPA
Historians cite the July 1943 massacres in the Volhynian region, where the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and OUN-B targeted approximately 150 Polish-inhabited villages. These events are classified as genocide by the Polish side, while Ukraine often views the conflict as a symmetrical struggle.
The two nations maintain divergent perspectives on the OUN and UPA. While Poland emphasizes the anti-Polish atrocities, the Ukrainian narrative frequently focuses on the organizations’ roles as anti-Soviet resistance groups following World War II.