Key facts
- European Parliament criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to rename a military unit after the UPA.
- The amendment cited 'unnecessary and unprovoked escalation' and disregard for Polish sensitivities regarding the UPA's historical actions.
- Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle in response to the naming decision.
- The dispute impacted the Ukraine Recovery Conference.
- A recent poll shows 60% of Polish citizens oppose Ukraine's EU membership bid.
The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved an amendment criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to rename an elite military unit after the World War II-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The move has reignited diplomatic tensions with Poland, which associates the UPA with the 1943-45 Volyn massacre where tens of thousands of Poles were killed.
The amendment, filed by Polish center-right lawmaker Andrzej Halicki, passed with 592 votes in favor versus 42 against. It expressed regret over the 'recent unnecessary and unprovoked escalation' by the Ukrainian president and a 'disregard for Polish sensitivities and grief related to the UPA's estimated many tens of thousands of victims and their families,' despite Poland's consistent support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion. The amendment stated Zelenskyy's decision was 'not in line with European values.'
While the UPA is commemorated in Ukraine for its role in opposing Soviet rule, Poland views it as responsible for the Volyn massacre, a designation Ukraine rejects. In response to Zelenskyy's decision, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honor.
The diplomatic dispute also affected the recent Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, where Zelenskyy was replaced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. A recent poll suggests that 60% of Polish citizens now oppose Ukraine's EU membership bid.
MEPs called for de-escalation and renewed efforts in good faith towards reconciliation. Despite the criticism, the Parliament's resolution reiterated support for Ukraine's accession to the EU, recognizing it as a strategic priority.