Over Half of Poles Now View Ukraine Less Favorably After Zelenskyy’s UPA Decree.

SW Research Poll: Negative Fallout from Naming Special Operations Center ‘North’ After UPA Heroes

According to Espreso.tv: A survey conducted by SW Research reveals that 51.9% of respondents believe President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to name the Special Operations Center ‘North’ after Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) heroes has worsened their perception of Ukraine. The move, enacted on May 26, 2023, has sparked considerable backlash, particularly among men and younger demographics. This controversy adds strain to the historically complex relationship between Poland and Ukraine, two neighboring nations with intertwined histories.

The study found that:

• 59% of men reported that Zelenskyy’s decision negatively affected their view of Ukraine, compared to 46% of women.
• Among respondents aged 24 and under, 56% also expressed dissatisfaction.

These figures highlight how the honorary naming has created societal divisions, potentially carrying long-term implications for Ukraine’s domestic and international relations.

The ensuing dispute has drawn attention from international leaders. On May 29, 2023, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced his intention to revoke Zelenskyy’s highest Polish state award in response to the decree. This statement underscores growing tensions between Ukraine and Poland, traditionally a key regional ally for Kyiv.

On June 5, 2023, former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked that the responsibility for resolving this matter rests solely with Ukraine. He urged constructive dialogue, stating:

“If we quarrel over the past, someone else will win the future.”

Polish politician Włodzimierz Czarzasty also commented on the situation, stressing that

“it is in Poland’s interest to maintain good relations with Ukraine, rather than escalate disputes over historical policy.”

In summary, the decision to honor UPA heroes by naming the Special Operations Center ‘North’ has triggered significant backlash, raising concerns about the future of Ukraine-Poland relations. The survey results underscore the need for open dialogue and compromise to preserve regional stability.

The controversy surrounding the UPA naming highlights how historical memory continues to shape modern ties between Ukraine and its neighbors. Amid rising tensions and political disagreements, constructive state-to-state dialogue remains essential for regional stability. Successfully addressing this issue could serve as a pivotal step toward safeguarding partnership and strengthening security in the area.