Budanov met with the Polish Foreign Ministry amid tensions over historical issues
Tensions have arisen between Kyiv and Warsaw over the decision to name a Special Operations Forces unit after the Heroes of the UPA, a move that has drawn a negative reaction in Poland. The two sides held talks in an effort to find a diplomatic solution to the situation.
The Ukrainian and Polish sides held a meeting amid tensions that arose following the decision to name a Special Operations Forces unit after the Heroes of the UPA, a move that was received with pain and emotion in Warsaw. It has been reported that the Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, held a meeting with Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki. The Ukrainian side initiated the talks, and Budanov’s deputies—Iryna Vereshchuk and Serhiy Kyslytsia—also participated in the meeting.
The key topic was the decision to name the Special Operations Forces unit after the Heroes of the UPA, which sparked a negative reaction in Polish society and political circles. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this issue touches on sensitive historical matters and evokes an emotional response in society. “Since the beginning of Russian aggression, Polish society has supported Ukraine as it defends itself,” the Polish Foreign Ministry emphasized.
During the conversation, the Polish side also outlined the basic principles on which, in their view, relations between the countries should be built—historical truth, respect for the victims, and ongoing dialogue. In effect, Warsaw made it clear that the issue of historical memory remains one of the most sensitive in bilateral relations and requires careful decisions and further consultation.
Following the meeting, the parties discussed possible approaches to reducing tensions and maintaining communication to prevent a deterioration in relations between Kyiv and Warsaw. This was reported by “Dzerkalo Tyzhnia.”
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