Poland Issues Ultimatum to Ukraine: Key Demands for EU Membership.

The State of Relations Between Ukraine and Poland

According to Espreso.tv: Discussions between Ukraine and Poland continue to revolve around exhumations, historical disputes, and the controversy over the Order of the White Eagle, which was revoked from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite political tensions, Ukrainian politician Knyazhytsky emphasizes that Poles still support Ukraine.

On May 26, 2023, Ukraine’s president signed a decree granting the honorary designation 'named after the Heroes of the UPA' to the Special Operations Center 'North.' In response, Polish politician Nawrocki announced on May 27, 2023, his intention to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. A meeting of the Order of the White Eagle Chapter took place on June 8, 2023, and on June 19, Nawrocki carried out his decision, revoking the honor. Zelenskyy reported on June 20, 2023, that he had returned the order.

Trust and Public Sentiment

By June 26, 2023, polling data showed Nawrocki’s trust level at 54.8%. Meanwhile, 90% of Ukrainians expressed a desire for constructive resolution of historical disputes with Poland. Amid strained relations, Polish MEPs submitted a formal request in the European Parliament for debates on commemorating the victims of the UPA genocide. Poland has stated it will not agree to Ukraine’s EU accession unless Kyiv stops honoring figures from the OUN and UPA.

Commenting on the situation, Knyazhytsky said:

“We should not fight with words, symbols, or images. The Ukrainian state and the Polish government have done everything to improve our relations.”

He also noted that even when President Nawrocki was revoking the order from President Zelenskyy, 40% of Poles supported Ukrainians and condemned that move. In turn, President Zelenskyy sees Nawrocki’s actions as 'purely electoral—a bid to secure the prime minister’s seat for PiS in the 2027 elections.'

Thus, the relationship between Ukraine and Poland remains complex, shaped by historical disputes and political decisions, yet public support for Ukrainians within Polish society remains substantial.

The situation between Ukraine and Poland highlights the complexity of international relations, where historical issues intersect with modern political realities. Continued support from the Polish population may influence official decisions by both governments. Fostering constructive dialogue and finding compromises could be key to improving bilateral ties in the future.