Polish PM: Ukraine Must Resolve UPA Unit Name Controversy; Support Not for Trade

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Ukraine to de-escalate tensions following its controversial decision to name a military unit the "Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)." The UPA is a deeply contentious historical entity in Poland due to its wartime actions, including ethnic cleansing and collaboration with Nazi Germany against Poles, Czechs, and Jews.

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I resent the Ukrainian side for its lack of sensitivity and historical wisdom and for its lack of political empathy and rational consideration of our common interests.

Tusk, speaking in Warsaw, acknowledged that while the decision may not have been primarily directed against Poles, he "resents the Ukrainian side for its lack of sensitivity and historical wisdom." He also criticized the lack of "political empathy and rational consideration of our common interests," suggesting that diplomatic efforts have thus far been insufficient.

The Polish leader stressed that it is in Poland's interest to support Ukraine effectively in its war against Russia, stating, "Ukraine must not be defeated in this war. If Ukraine suffers a defeat, Poland will find itself in a dramatically more difficult situation." However, he made it clear that Poland will not "trade" its support for Ukraine's European Union ambitions. Instead, he reiterated that Ukraine can join the EU only after fulfilling all necessary conditions.

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Ukraine must not be defeated in this war. If Ukraine suffers a defeat, Poland will find itself in a dramatically more difficult situation.

Polish President Andrzej Duda had previously threatened to withhold support for Ukraine's EU bid over the naming issue. Tusk is attempting to mediate, appealing to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to find a compromise solution. He hopes for a creative resolution that allows Ukraine to honor its heroes while also respecting the victims of UPA atrocities. Tusk is also in direct contact with Duda to prevent escalation from the Polish side, leaving room for Ukraine to either withdraw the decision or find a less painful alternative.

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In Poland's interest is the de-escalation of these emotions, because in Poland's interest is, and I don't have to explain this to anyone, effective support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.