Poland Reacts as Zelenskyy Names Special Operations Unit After UPA Heroes.

Presidential Decree and Poland’s Response

According to Espreso.tv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on May 26 granting the honorary designation 'named after the heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)' to the Special Operations Center 'North.' This decision has sparked strong criticism from Poland, where the UPA is historically associated with massacres of Poles during World War II. The move quickly became a flashpoint in Polish media and political circles.

On May 29, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced his intention to strip Zelenskyy of Poland’s highest state honor—a move that signals a serious deterioration in bilateral relations. In contrast, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged restraint, stating that 'the president should not pick a fight.' Tusk’s comments reflect a desire to avoid further escalation between the neighboring allies.

Expert Commentary

Political analysts have weighed in on the controversy. Marcin Przydacz, a former Polish deputy foreign minister, remarked:

'It is probably President Zelenskyy who should call the Polish president and, first of all, apologize, and secondly, explain this entire tension.' — Marcin Przydacz

Donald Tusk also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace between the two nations, saying: 'If we quarrel over the past, someone else will win the future. The Ukrainian president must finally understand this. Poles too. Before it’s too late!'

The dispute has raised alarm among experts, given that Ukraine and Poland share a crucial strategic partnership—particularly in the face of Russian aggression. The symbolic clash over historical memory risks undermining regional stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe. Whether both sides can bridge their differences and preserve their alliance remains an open question.

Historically, Ukraine and Poland have maintained a close relationship, especially since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This latest rift, however, shows how unresolved historical grievances can strain even the most vital partnerships. Moving forward, careful diplomacy will be essential to prevent further tension and to safeguard the strategic cooperation that both countries rely on.