European Parliament Expresses Regret Over Ukrainian Military Honors for UPA

During Wednesday’s vote on Ukraine’s EU accession progress, the European Parliament adopted an amendment condemning President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to name a military unit after “UPA heroes.”

Parliament Condemns Escalation

On Wednesday, July 8, the European Parliament voted on a resolution concerning Ukraine’s accession process. During deliberations, political groups introduced amendments addressing the recent commemoration of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The European People’s Party, including members from KO and PSL, successfully proposed an amendment labeling the decision to name a Ukrainian unit after “UPA heroes” an unprovoked escalation. The assembly formally expressed regret over the disregard for Polish sensitivities regarding the Volhynia massacre, passing the amendment with a significant majority.

Regret Over Neglected History

The Parliament’s resolution explicitly states that President Zelenskyy’s actions constitute an unnecessary and unprovoked escalation. Lawmakers emphasized that this move disregards Poland’s unwavering support for Ukraine during the ongoing Russian aggression, failing to account for the deep pain the UPA causes Polish families of victims.

The European Parliament concluded that this decision damages neighborly relations and undermines efforts to resolve painful historical disputes in a spirit of reconciliation. Furthermore, the body noted that such actions are inconsistent with core European values.

Right-Wing Demands for Negotiation Stalls

The European Conservatives and Reformists, which includes PiS, introduced a separate amendment. They called for the European Union to halt any further accession negotiation clusters with Ukraine until the country officially recognizes the ethnic cleansing campaigns conducted by the UPA against Poles and mass atrocities committed against the Jewish population.