A new SW Research poll for Rzeczpospolita reveals that the majority of Poles report a deterioration in their attitude toward Ukraine following the controversial naming of a military unit after the UPA.
Political Fallout Over Ukrainian Military Unit Name
The Ukrainian government’s decision to name a military unit “Heroes of the UPA” has sparked significant controversy in Poland. Polish officials, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, have attempted to influence President Volodymyr Zelenskyy through diplomatic channels to reverse the move.
More assertive responses have also surfaced, with Karol Nawrocki signaling his intent to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. The Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle convened to discuss the matter, though the final decision remains pending official announcement by presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz.
Survey Reveals Shift in Public Perception
A study conducted by SW Research sought to determine if the political backlash has impacted public opinion. The results indicate that 51.9 percent of respondents view the decision negatively and report that it has worsened their attitude toward Ukraine and its citizens.
While 31.9 percent of those surveyed stated the issue had no impact on their perception, 4.5 percent found the Ukrainian government’s decision justified and reported an improved view. Additionally, 11.7 percent of participants expressed no opinion on the matter.
The research was conducted by SW Research between June 9-10, 2026, among users of the online SW Panel platform.
