Diplomatic talks in Warsaw revealed growing strain over historical memory, with symbolic decisions now carrying political weight for both governments. Key signals from officials underscored the fragile state of relations.

During a visit by a Ukrainian delegation to Poland, Kyiv initiated discussions about changing the name of one of the Special Operations Forces units. The proposal involves clarifying the wording so that it refers only to those members of the UPA who fought against the Soviet Union. This initiative emerged amid rising tensions between the two countries.

According to Wirtualna Polska, the talks in Warsaw took place in a restrained atmosphere. The Polish side demonstrated a firm stance on Ukraine’s historical policy. In particular, Poland’s Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, expressed dissatisfaction with Kyiv’s decisions related to honoring the UPA.

It is also noted that Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski did not change his schedule to meet with the Ukrainian delegation, which was interpreted as a signal of strain in bilateral contacts.

Kyiv is also concerned about the possibility of revisiting the decision to award Volodymyr Zelensky the Order of the White Eagle. The Ukrainian side believes such a move would have significant political and symbolic consequences and could negatively affect relations between the two states.

Ukrainian representatives emphasized that a potential revocation of the award could be perceived as a personal insult, potentially provoking a strong reaction in Ukrainian society.

This time it is serious, because it directly affects Polish politics. Zelensky’s administration is hiding behind the military, but that will not help

– a source for Wirtualna Polska

Despite the negotiations, the sides did not reach concrete agreements. Warsaw expects steps from Kyiv that take into account the sensitivity of historical issues for Polish society.

Initiatives to reduce tensions

Amid worsening relations, Ukraine is considering possible steps to ease tensions. Among them is renaming the “North” Special Operations Forces Center, which has become the focal point of the dispute. The proposal is to clarify the historical context in the name, emphasizing the struggle against Soviet rule.

In addition, the possibility of granting new permits for search operations and exhumations of victims of the Volhynia tragedy is being discussed, which is an important issue for the Polish side.

At the same time, Poland does not rule out further deterioration in relations if Ukraine’s position remains unchanged.

Reasons for the escalation

The basis for the diplomatic tension was a decision on May 26, when Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree awarding the “North” Separate Special Operations Center the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA.” The document emphasized the restoration of historical traditions of the Ukrainian military.

This provoked a sharp reaction in Poland. Lech Wałęsa publicly expressed disagreement with the decision, calling it offensive. Former Polish ambassador to Ukraine Bartosz Cichocki returned a previously received state award, and in Lublin the Ukrainian flag was removed from the city hall building.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that for Ukrainian soldiers, the history of the UPA symbolizes the struggle against Moscow’s imperial policy and is not directed against the Polish people.

Marcin Przydacz expressed the view that Volodymyr Zelensky should apologize to Karol Nawrocki. Earlier, the Polish president had suggested the possibility of stripping the Ukrainian leader of the Order of the White Eagle, which he received in 2023.

The situation surrounding historical memory remains a sensitive issue in relations between Ukraine and Poland and continues to influence political dialogue between the two countries.