Poland-Ukraine Dispute: Fresh Conflict Over Historical Memory of UPA and Volhynia Massacres
A severe crisis has erupted in Polish-Ukrainian relations, rooted in divergent historical memories of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the 1943 Volhynia massacres. The conflict began when Ukrainian President Zelenskyy awarded the title 'Heroes of the UPA' to a military unit, which Poland viewed as a provocation due to UPA's role in killing tens of thousands of Poles. Polish President Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, leading Zelenskyy to return the medal and many Ukrainian politicians to follow suit. Tensions escalated further when Ukraine's parliament approved plans for a national pantheon that could honor UPA commanders. Polish politicians, including opposition leader Kaczyński, threatened to block Ukraine's EU accession. The dispute is exacerbated by Polish domestic politics, as Nawrocki's approval ratings rose after his强硬 stance. The article, written by historian Kai Struve, analyzes how these historical grievances are being weaponized in current geopolitics, despite both countries facing the common threat of Russia.
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