Tusk on Ukraine Ties: “We Expect the First Step from Kyiv”

Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated during a Saturday press conference in Kleczew that Poland is awaiting a signal from Ukraine following President Zelensky’s decision regarding the UPA.

Russian Influence and Historical Tensions

Donald Tusk noted that Russia actively seeks to exploit tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv by manipulating emotions and the presence of Ukrainian refugees in Poland. He warned that Moscow intends to use these divisions to undermine the support Poland has provided since the beginning of the war.

However, the Prime Minister acknowledged that beyond Russian interference, there are objective difficulties regarding how Kyiv addresses its own history, with the Volhynia massacre serving as the most dramatic example. He emphasized that a modern European political community requires the capacity to confront one’s own history to build a lasting, friendly relationship.

A Call for Clarity from Kyiv

The head of government mentioned receiving signals from Ukrainian figures, including former President Viktor Yushchenko, urging joint efforts to ensure that the past does not dictate the future. Tusk reiterated that Poland expects a clear gesture from Ukraine following President Zelensky’s decision to name a military unit after the UPA.

Tusk acknowledged that Kyiv is attempting to address these issues but stressed that Warsaw needs to hear a very clear signal to move forward. He described the truth as the necessary foundation for future reconciliation between the two nations.

Background of the Dispute

In late May, President Zelensky granted the name “Heroes of the UPA” to a special operations center, citing the need to restore military traditions. This move faced significant backlash in Poland, including the return of the Order of the White Eagle by Zelensky after the Polish government indicated it would be rescinded.

The Ukrainian Insurgent Army remains a point of contention. While Poland classifies the 1943 attacks on Poles in Volhynia as genocide, many in Ukraine view the OUN and UPA as symbols of the fight for independence against the Soviet Union.