Following Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after UPA “heroes,” Polish officials held a series of meetings in Warsaw with the head of Zelensky’s office to express firm opposition.
Diplomatic Meetings in Warsaw
The Chief of the Office of the President of Ukraine has been in Warsaw since Friday, June 5. He has held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Head of the National Security Bureau Bartosz Grodecki, and Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki. On Saturday, he also met with Marcin Przydacz.
Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Bureau, stated he conveyed clear expectations from the Polish side. He emphasized that any attempts to glorify UPA criminals will continue to be met with a firm reaction. The Ukrainian side indicated it is aware of the sensitivity surrounding this issue and expressed interest in a dialogue.
Security and Historical Truth
Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored that while Poland and Ukraine are security partners, both nations must speak the truth regarding history to build a future. He explicitly raised the issue of naming a Ukrainian unit after the UPA, noting that memory of the Volhynia victims is not subject to negotiation.
Bartosz Grodecki confirmed that his meeting with the Ukrainian official took place at the request of the Ukrainian side. During the discussion, he presented the stance of Karol Nawrocki regarding the naming of the unit and reiterated the expectations of the Polish president.
Potential Review of Presidential Honors
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named a military unit “Heroes of UPA” in late May, citing the need to restore national military traditions and recognize the unit’s defense of Ukrainian sovereignty. The decision drew sharp criticism from Polish politicians, with Karol Nawrocki labeling it as “fuel for Russian propaganda.”
Nawrocki has proposed that the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle discuss revoking the order previously awarded to President Zelensky. A meeting of the Chapter is scheduled for Monday, June 8, and spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz confirmed that the meeting will proceed as planned.