President Volodymyr Zelensky faces growing diplomatic strain with Warsaw after Ukraine’s parliament voted to rename a WWII-era nationalist unit, a move Poland condemns as a historical affront. The resolution, passed on 14 March, designates the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) as a “national liberation” force, a status Poland views as whitewashing collaboration with Nazi Germany. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has summoned Ukraine’s ambassador for talks, warning the decision could disrupt bilateral cooperation and jeopardise Kyiv’s EU integration prospects.
Context: The UPA, formed in 1942, fought both Soviet and Nazi forces for independence. However, it is also accused of ethnic cleansing of Poles in Volhynia in 1943-44, events Poland considers genocide. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Poland has been Ukraine’s staunchest ally, hosting millions of refugees and spearheading military aid. The row risks undermining this unity at a critical juncture.
Zelensky’s government initially dismissed the bill as a parliamentary initiative, but political analysts suggest he must now navigate domestic nationalist sentiment against international realpolitik. With Poland threatening to block Ukraine’s EU accession talks if the issue persists, the president is expected to issue a conciliatory statement later this week. The Kremlin has seized on the dispute, framing it as evidence of fractious Western alliances.
