Polish-Ukrainian solidarity over Russian threat undermined by bitter historical dispute

Polish-Ukrainian solidarity, initially strong after Russia's 2022 invasion, is strained by a historical dispute over the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA, responsible for the 1943 massacre of approximately 100,000 Poles in Volyn, is now being honored by Ukraine, including President Zelenskyy naming a military unit after UPA heroes. This has sparked anger in Poland, with President Nawrocki revoking a Polish state award from Zelenskyy and threatening to block Ukraine's EU accession. Ukrainians view the UPA primarily as freedom fighters against Soviet rule, downplaying their role in the massacre. The dispute highlights differing historical interpretations and has led to mutual accusations and a hardening of stances, impacting the previously strong bilateral relations.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the creation of a national memorial to commemorate victims of what he termed a "genocide committed by Ukrainian nationalists" during World War Two. This statement was made on the anniversary of the Volhynia massacre, where Warsaw claims approximately 100,000 ethnic Poles were killed by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) between 1943 and 1945. Poland and Ukraine have a long-standing dispute over these events, with many Ukrainians viewing the UPA as independence fighters. Tusk emphasized that acknowledging this truth is crucial for overcoming the past and building a better future, urging Ukraine to embrace it for its EU aspirations. This announcement follows a diplomatic row where Ukraine's President Zelensky was stripped of Poland's highest state honor over naming a military unit after the UPA.