Key facts
- Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for dialogue with Poland to defuse tensions.
- The controversy stems from President Zelensky naming a Ukrainian special forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
- The UPA is blamed for massacres of Poles during World War II.
- Sybiha stated the unit's name was chosen by soldiers commemorating those who fought against 'imperial Moscow', not with anti-Polish intent.
- Sybiha emphasized the need for both countries to focus on countering Russia and strengthening European security.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for dialogue with Poland to de-escalate tensions following President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to name a Ukrainian special forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA is associated with the Volhynia massacres, a series of killings from 1943 to 1945 in which an estimated 100,000 Poles were killed, with thousands of Ukrainians also dying in reprisal killings. This historical dispute has complicated relations between Ukraine and Poland, a key ally since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Polish President Karol Nawrocki had previously suggested that Zelensky should be stripped of Poland's highest honor over the decree. Sybiha stated that the escalation of tensions benefits neither country and emphasized the need to focus on countering their common enemy, Russia, and strengthening European security. He clarified that the army unit's name was chosen by Ukrainian soldiers commemorating those who fought against 'imperial Moscow' and had no anti-Polish intent. Sybiha also referenced past efforts on historical issues, including exhumations and meetings between historians, to foster understanding.