Szeptycki Retracts UPA Comparison Amid Backlash

Deputy Minister of Science Andrzej Szeptycki has apologized for comparing the UPA to Poland’s “Cursed Soldiers,” acknowledging that his remarks failed to clarify his objective analysis of the Ukrainian historical perspective.

The Controversial Comparison

On June 5, during a radio interview, Deputy Minister Andrzej Szeptycki characterized the UPA as a formation that fought for Ukrainian independence against the Soviets. He controversially referred to them as “Ukrainian Cursed Soldiers,” a statement that triggered immediate and widespread outrage among Polish politicians.

Opposition figures, including PiS prime ministerial candidate Przemysław Czarnek, labeled the remarks as “national treason,” while Marcin Przydacz, head of the Presidential International Policy Bureau, condemned the equating of UPA fighters with Polish heroes of the anti-Soviet underground.

Clarification and Apology

Addressing the controversy on June 16, Szeptycki explained that his comments were intended to describe how parts of the Ukrainian public perceive the UPA, rather than expressing his own opinion or that of the Polish government. He stated that he had failed to emphasize this academic context during the initial interview.

The minister offered a formal apology to any citizens offended by his words, clarifying that he unequivocally condemns the crimes committed by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

Diplomatic Strains and Future Expectations

Szeptycki further noted that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to name a Ukrainian unit after the UPA hinders Polish-Ukrainian relations, expressing hope for a reversal of this policy. He emphasized that maintaining dialogue remains essential given the shared threats and cooperation needed regarding Russia and the European Union.

The deputy minister highlighted that recent visits by Ukrainian officials, including intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, provided an opportunity for Poland to clearly communicate its position on these sensitive historical matters, noting that a reversal of the naming decision remains the optimal outcome.