Following meetings between Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov and Polish officials, presidential minister Sławomir Mazurek declared that President Volodymyr Zelensky himself triggered the current diplomatic strain regarding historical memory.
Diplomatic Tensions Over Historical Policy
On Saturday, June 6, Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov met with Polish defense minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, presidential international policy bureau head Marcin Przydacz, and National Security Bureau chief Bartosz Grodecki. The talks addressed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to name a military unit after the “Heroes of the UPA.”
Sławomir Mazurek from the Polish presidential office stated that relations must be based on pragmatism, emphasizing that there is no separate Polish or Ukrainian truth, but one universal truth. He remarked that Zelensky himself provoked the crisis in bilateral relations.
Demands for Historical Accountability
Polish defense minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that while the two nations are security partners, historical truths must be acknowledged to build a future. Marcin Przydacz echoed this, noting that the glorification of UPA criminals will continue to face a firm reaction from the Polish side.
The Ukrainian side signaled awareness of the public reaction in Poland and expressed interest in dialogue. Bartosz Grodecki confirmed that the meeting took place at the request of the Ukrainian delegation to discuss the naming of the “North” Special Operations Center.
Escalation and Domestic Reaction
The controversy stems from Zelensky’s late May decision to name a military unit “Heroes of the UPA” to honor national military traditions. Polish officials, including President Karol Nawrocki, criticized the move, arguing it provides propaganda material for Russia. Nawrocki even proposed stripping Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that while Polish unity on supporting Ukraine during the war remains unshaken, the nation remains equally firm regarding historical matters. Meanwhile, politicians like Anna Górska have called for a gesture of apology from Ukraine to resolve the matter.