A SW Research poll of 800 Polish internet users finds that 51.9% of respondents report a worsening attitude toward Ukraine following President Zelensky’s decision to name a military unit after the UPA.
Poll Findings on Ukrainian-Polish Relations
Conducted by SW Research for Rzeczpospolita on June 9-10, the survey asked whether Zelensky’s decision to grant a Ukrainian military unit the name “Heroes of the UPA” affected their perception of Ukraine. While 51.9% of respondents noted a negative shift, 31.9% stated it had no impact, 4.5% observed an improvement, and 11.7% held no opinion.
Demographic Breakdown of Public Sentiment
Justyna Sobczak of SW Research noted that negative perceptions were more prevalent among men (59%) than women (46%). The sentiment was most pronounced among individuals under 24 (56%), those with vocational education (57%), and respondents with monthly incomes up to 3,000 PLN net (58%).
Context of the Controversial Designation
On May 26, President Zelensky designated the “North” Special Operations Center of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the honorary title “named after the heroes of the UPA.” The UPA is held responsible by the Institute of National Remembrance for the deaths of 100,000 to 130,000 Poles during the 1943-1945 period.
Official Polish and Ukrainian Reactions
The move sparked significant backlash in Poland, with Karol Nawrocki criticizing the decision as harmful to European integration. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz urged a reconsideration, emphasizing the UPA’s association with crimes against civilians. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated on X that the name was chosen by soldiers seeking to honor those who fought against imperial Moscow, stressing that the intent was not anti-Polish.
