[74515] Diplomatic crisis between Poland and Ukraine over the commemoration of the UPA

Diplomatic crisis between Poland and Ukraine over the commemoration of the UPA

Severe tension has been recorded in recent days between Kyiv and Warsaw following the decision of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on May 26, 2026, to grant the Ukrainian Army's "North" Special Operations unit the name "named after the Heroes of the UPA." According to reports in Ukraine NOW and Toronto Television, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that he intends to initiate a discussion at the "Order of the White Eagle Chapter" on June 8 to strip Zelenskyy of Poland's highest honor, which was awarded to him in 2023.

Nawrocki claimed that Zelenskyy's decision "provided excellent material for Russian propaganda" and that it proves, in his view, that Ukraine "is not ready to be part of the European family." This position also resonated in STERNENKO, where it was noted that the Polish Foreign Ministry had delivered a formal protest to the Ukrainian ambassador. On the other hand, the STERNENKO channel criticized the Polish move, claiming it is "shortsighted" and will only assist Russia, while mentioning Polish historical figures who are controversial from a Ukrainian perspective.

The crisis took a personal turn when former Polish President, Lech Wałęsa, declared that he was removing the Ukrainian flag from his lapel and ending his support for Zelenskyy. Wałęsa called the move an "insult to all Polish victims." Various figures, including BerezaJuice, defined Nawrocki's move as "playing to populism" and called on the sides to reconsider their steps, fearing that the conflict would serve Russia's interests.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded sharply and called for the leadership of both countries to come to their senses, according to a report in BRATCHUK: "If we fight over the past, someone else will win the future." Despite the diplomatic tension, the various sources emphasize that Poland's strategic support for Ukraine's war effort against Russia officially remains unchanged, despite the political shock surrounding the UPA issue.