Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for dialogue with Poland to de-escalate tensions after President Volodymyr Zelensky named a special forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA is associated with WWII massacres of Poles, complicating relations between the two allies.
This historical dispute risks straining relations between two crucial allies supporting Ukraine against Russia, potentially impacting European security and Ukraine's integration efforts.
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.
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