The bond of solidarity forged between Poland and Ukraine in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 is beginning to fray, exposed by a contentious historical dispute that threatens to undermine future cooperation between the two neighbours. What was once an outpouring of Polish generosity towards Ukrainian refugees has given way to angry rhetoric and diplomatic tensions, leaving observers to wonder if this rift can be repaired.
At the heart of the current standoff lies the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist paramilitary organisation from World War II. While many Ukrainians venerate the UPA for its fight against Soviet rule, a branch of the group was responsible for the massacre of an estimated 100,000 Poles in 1943 in Volyn, a region then part of Poland. The dispute flared again when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to name a military unit after 'heroes of the UPA', prompting fierce protests from Warsaw.
Poland's nationalist leader, Karol Nawrocki, has taken a firm stance on the issue, describing the killings as a genocide. In a speech marking the anniversary of the massacres near the Ukrainian border, he stated, "Praising genocide or turning a blind eye is an invitation to commit further genocide." The Polish President took a dramatic step in June by stripping President Zelenskyy of a Polish state award, prompting a reciprocal gesture from Ukrainian officials who returned their own Polish decorations.
The Ukrainian government has pushed back against Poland's criticism, with Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, asserting that "No one will ever again dictate to Ukrainians which heroes to honour." Ukraine is proceeding with plans for a 'pantheon' of national heroes, likely to include UPA figures. This divergence in historical interpretation sees Ukraine often downplaying the UPA's role in the massacres, contextualising it within the broader chaos of World War II, while Poland views the events as a clear act of genocide.
Observers suggest that President Zelenskyy may be leveraging nationalist sentiment for domestic political gain, despite his background as an 'inclusive' figure from a Russian-speaking Jewish family. The emphasis on national heroes could bolster his legitimacy at home, but this strategy has clearly backfired diplomatically, catching Ukrainian officials off guard with the strength of Poland's reaction. In Poland, President Nawrocki's hard line on the issue has boosted his popularity, having campaigned on an anti-Ukrainian platform in the past.