Ukrainian Ambassador Addresses UPA, Bandera, and Historical Tensions with Poland

In a published interview, Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland discussed national heroes, historical atrocities by both sides, and ongoing military aid amid diplomatic friction.

Ukrainian National Heroes and Stepan Bandera

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland emphasized that Ukrainians have the right to choose their own national heroes. He questioned whether Stepan Bandera is Ukraine’s most important hero, describing him instead as one of several figures who deserve recognition as a leader of the national liberation movement, while acknowledging the movement’s dark side.

Context of Polish Political Warnings

Vasyl Bodnar addressed remarks regarding Bandera and the UPA in the context of warnings from Polish politicians that Ukraine will not enter the EU with Bandera. Tensions were further escalated in late May by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to name a military unit “Heroes of the UPA.” Bodnar argued that the recent escalation concerns Ukraine’s right to make sovereign decisions rather than the UPA itself.

Exhumations and Historical Atrocities

Bodnar called for mutual respect for victims, cross-border exhumations, and objective historical cooperation to educate the Ukrainian public about complicated chapters in shared history. He stated that while UPA members committed crimes against Poles, the Polish underground and Poles also committed a large number of similarly criminal acts.

Assessing Anti-Ukrainian Sentiment in Poland

The ambassador stated that fears of anti-Ukrainian pogroms in Poland are exaggerated and intentionally used to heat up public opinion, noting there are no signs of mass actions against Ukrainians. He pointed out that Warsaw is currently preparing its 50th military aid package for Ukraine as a true measure of bilateral relations.

Gratitude for Polish Military Support

Bodnar urged focusing on real-world assistance rather than getting bogged down in historical discourse, emphasizing that Poland pays for the artillery shells currently arriving at the front lines. He concluded that instead of looking for reasons for new disputes, Ukrainians should express gratitude to Poland for the resources defending their country.