Polish officials protest Ukrainian unit's WWII-era name

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a decree on May 26 naming a special-forces unit the "Heroes of the UPA," citing a desire to revive historic military traditions. The decision has provoked strong criticism in Poland, a key ally in Kyiv's conflict with Russia.

Poland's newly elected president, Karol Nawrocki, said the move glorifies "bandits who murdered women and children, murdered Poles" and announced plans to recommend stripping Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest civilian award. The award jury is scheduled to discuss the proposal on June 8.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who leads a pro-European coalition, warned that the naming offended Polish historical sensibilities and could be exploited by Moscow. He urged both sides to handle the dispute carefully, noting that continued friction would benefit Russia.

Other members of the ruling coalition echoed the outrage but called for a firm yet non-hostile response. Deputy Marshal of the Sejm Piotr Zgorzelski said the reaction should be "tough" and warned that Zelenskyy was using nationalist rhetoric that ignored Polish concerns.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded that the name was intended solely to symbolize opposition to Moscow's imperial policies and was not directed at Poland. Historical tensions between the two nations over the legacy of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which committed atrocities against Polish civilians during World War II, have resurfaced amid broader debates over refugee support and military aid.

The dispute comes as Poland prepares to host the fifth Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk later this month, an event crucial for post-war reconstruction efforts.