Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting during the NATO summit in Ankara to address escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The discussions followed a series of disputes regarding historical memory, specifically the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after figures associated with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). While both leaders confirmed the meeting took place, they signaled differing perspectives on the path forward for bilateral relations.
Historical Disputes and Diplomatic Friction
The meeting occurred against a backdrop of public friction, marked by President Nawrocki’s decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle previously awarded to the Ukrainian president, who subsequently returned the decoration by mail. According to President Nawrocki, the Ankara discussions did not resolve these historical grievances, noting that he did not enter the talks with the expectation of a total settlement. He stated that the symbols of the UPA are “not negotiable” for Poland and warned that what he termed a “Banderite flag” restricts Ukraine’s future prospects within the European Union.
Marcin Przydacz, head of the Polish President’s Bureau of International Policy, described the meeting as an opportunity to present historical facts to the Ukrainian side. Przydacz stated that the Polish government believes there is a “distorted image” of the OUN and UPA in Ukraine, where these groups are often presented as heroes of the struggle against the Soviet Union. He emphasized that Poland’s stance remains firm: continued glorification of these figures will result in a “bad state of relations” between the two countries.
The diplomatic rift was triggered by a specific decision by the Ukrainian government to name one of its military units after “heroes of the UPA,” a move that prompted a direct response from Warsaw, including the revocation of a state honor.
Security and Economic Cooperation
Despite the historical deadlock, President Zelensky characterized the meeting as “important, quite long, and constructive.” According to the Ukrainian president, the dialogue covered priority issues beyond history, including security and economic cooperation. Zelensky noted that both nations recognize Russia as their “common enemy” and expressed a desire to maintain “friendly and neighborhood relations” with Poland, urging a “delicate” approach to sensitive historical topics.
Economic ties also featured in the discussions. Zelensky highlighted the recent reconstruction conference held in Gdańsk, stating that Ukrainian authorities remain open to Polish business partners interested in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The tension highlights the difficulty of aligning long-term geopolitical and security partnerships with deeply held domestic historical narratives. While Warsaw insists that European integration and bilateral friendship are contingent upon addressing historical legacies, Kyiv appears to be prioritizing immediate security and economic survival against a shared adversary, creating a complex diplomatic trade-off for both governments.
Calls for De-escalation
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Polish Minister of National Defence, addressed the situation on Thursday, calling for an immediate “de-escalation” of rhetoric. He argued that the relationship should be managed through “pragmatic policy” centered on economic and security cooperation, rather than political disputes. Kosiniak-Kamysz criticized the political exploitation of the issue, suggesting that both internal Ukrainian politics and domestic Polish reactions have contributed to the current strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did President Nawrocki revoke the Order of the White Eagle?
The decision was a direct response to the Ukrainian government’s choice to name a military unit after “heroes of the UPA,” an act that caused significant public outcry in Poland.
What was the outcome of the meeting in Ankara?
The meeting concluded without a resolution to the historical issues, though both parties agreed on the importance of discussing priority topics like security and economic collaboration.
What is the Polish government’s position on the UPA?
According to Marcin Przydacz, Poland maintains that Ukraine must stop glorifying figures from the OUN and UPA, as doing so negatively impacts the bilateral relationship and is incompatible with European post-WWII standards.
How do you believe the balance between historical memory and current strategic necessity should be managed by neighboring states?
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