Poland Moves to Strip Zelensky of Award Over Unit Name: Foreign Ministry Responds.

30.05.2026 650

30.05.2026 650

Poland protests over unit name

Georgiy Tykhyi Comments on Poland’s Reaction

According to Espreso.tv: Georgiy Tykhyi addressed Poland’s sharp response to Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). He noted that such actions contradict the efforts Kyiv and Warsaw have made over the past year and a half to improve bilateral relations.

“We see a strong reaction in Poland to the decision to name one of Ukraine’s units after UPA heroes,” Tykhyi stated.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also stressed the need to avoid conflicts over historical disputes.

“We cannot allow quarrels over the past to undermine our resistance against the common enemy today,” he said.

Tykhyi further recalled shared historical moments, such as the 80th anniversary of the Hrubieszów operation, which was marked by joint actions between Ukrainian insurgents and Polish partisans.

On May 29, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced plans to revoke Volodymyr Zelensky’s highest Polish award. Tykhyi pointed out that history shows only Moscow benefits from Ukrainian-Polish disagreements. This comment reflects Ukraine’s desire to maintain strategic ties with Poland despite ongoing historical tensions.

The Complexity of Ukrainian-Polish Relations

This situation highlights the fragility of Ukrainian-Polish relations, which, despite a shared struggle against aggression, remain vulnerable due to historical disputes. The decision to name a unit after the UPA may be seen as provocative, threatening both countries’ efforts to strengthen cooperation. It is crucial for Ukraine to continue dialogue with Poland to prevent escalation and preserve regional strategic interests.