Poland sets clear expectations for Ukraine: 'Boundaries must not be crossed' on historical memory

Poland has set firm expectations for Ukraine regarding historical sensitivities, particularly concerning the Volhynia massacre. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz declared that the memory of the victims of the Volhynia killings is "not a subject for negotiation."

Kosiniak-Kamysz made these remarks after a meeting with Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian President's Office. He stated on the platform X that Poland's clear expectations were conveyed following Ukraine's decision to name a military unit after "UPA heroes." The Volhynia massacre, where the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) systematically killed an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 ethnic Poles between 1943 and 1945, remains one of the most contentious historical and diplomatic issues in Polish-Ukrainian relations.

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The memory of the victims of Volhynia is not a subject for negotiation. There are boundaries that must not be crossed.

Budanov later met with Marcin Przydacz, the Polish President's chief foreign policy advisor. The President's Chancellery reported that bilateral relations, including historical issues arising from recent Ukrainian decisions, were discussed. Przydacz told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that he clearly presented Poland's position, stating that "any attempt to glorify criminals associated with the UPA will meet and continue to meet with a firm response."

Ukrainian officials indicated they understand Poland's reaction and are interested in dialogue. Przydacz expressed readiness for further talks, expecting them to yield positive results. The diplomatic dispute intensified after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's late May decision to honor a military unit with a name associated with the UPA, aiming to restore national military traditions. Warsaw swiftly condemned this move, with Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressing outrage.

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Any attempt to glorify criminals associated with the UPA will meet and continue to meet with a firm response.