A video of Polish soldiers saluting during the Ukrainian national anthem in Lublin sparked online criticism, but the General Staff confirms it aligns with military protocol.
Video Sparks Online Debate
A video circulating online shows two Polish and two Ukrainian soldiers. As the Ukrainian anthem plays, the Polish soldiers salute while the Ukrainian soldiers raise their flag alongside the Polish flag.
The video quickly drew negative comments, with some users alleging “shame,” “disgrace,” or even “treason,” arguing Polish soldiers should not render honors during another country’s anthem.
Footage Dates Back to 2026 Anniversary
However, Konkret24 determined the video is not recent, originating from February 24, 2026, during the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The event, held in Lublin, honored the war’s victims, raised the flags of Poland and Ukraine, and played both national anthems.
Regulations Allow Salutes During Foreign Anthems
The General Regulations for Soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, from 2024, explicitly states that soldiers render honors not only during the Polish anthem but also during the anthem of another nation.
This means the Polish soldiers’ actions in Lublin were not discretionary but directly stemmed from existing service regulations. The regulations emphasize that rendering honors demonstrates respect for national and military symbols and displays military discipline.
General Staff Confirms Compliance
Colonel Marek Pietrzak, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, confirmed this. He stated the soldiers’ behavior during the Lublin ceremony was consistent with applicable regulations and Polish military ceremonial standards.
Honors Extended to Allied and Partner Nations
Pietrzak added that soldiers render honors during the raising of any national flag – both Polish and those of allied or partner nations. This is based not only on regulations but also on established military ceremonial practice and international military etiquette.
He emphasized this obligation doesn’t depend on the presence of the other nation’s armed forces representatives, but on the nature of the ceremony and the presentation of national symbols.
Reciprocal Practice
The General Staff noted that the same principle applies during ceremonies in Poland involving foreign troops. In such cases, foreign soldiers also render honors during the Polish anthem and flag-raising.
Common Practice at State Ceremonies
Konkret24 recalls similar instances during state ceremonies in Poland, where soldiers from allied armies also salute during the playing of “Mazurek Dąbrowski.”
Video Showed Only a Portion of the Ceremony
The General Staff’s spokesperson also pointed out that the disseminated video already shows the Polish flag raised. This means the footage only captures a fragment of the ceremony and does not include the moment of raising the Polish flag, during which honors are also rendered.
