Ukraine Responds to Poland's Bill on the OUN-UPA
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to a legislative initiative currently under consideration by the Polish Sejm to ban the ideology of the “OUN-UPA.” Officials in Kyiv called on the Polish side to refrain from unilateral steps that could strain bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of continuing the historical dialogue between the two countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that it is closely monitoring the Polish parliament’s consideration of a bill to criminalize the propaganda of the “OUN-UPA ideology.” The bill provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to three years.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Poland remains a strategic partner for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, European integration, economic cooperation, and the development of people-to-people ties. Kyiv also expressed gratitude to the Polish government and society for the support Ukraine has received since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
At the same time, Heorhiy Tykhyi emphasized that issues related to shared history should be resolved through professional dialogue and mutual respect, rather than becoming a tool for political struggle.
“For Ukraine, Poland has been and remains a strategic partner in countering Russian aggression, in European integration, economic cooperation, people-to-people ties, and other areas. We are grateful to Poland and the Polish people for the support they have provided since 2022. We are convinced that sensitive historical issues require professional dialogue based on mutual respect, rather than being exploited in political rhetoric,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted.
The ministry also assured that Ukraine does not seek to further strain relations with Poland and expects a similar approach from Warsaw. According to Tykhyi, all decisions should be made with due regard for the strategic importance of the Ukrainian-Polish partnership, rather than short-term political interests.
In addition, the Ukrainian side called on Poland to avoid unilateral escalatory steps and proposed focusing on practical mechanisms to reduce tensions. Specifically, this involves utilizing existing bilateral cooperation frameworks, intensifying diplomatic contacts, and continuing the work of the Polish-Ukrainian Congress of Historians.
This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi, according to “European Truth.”
As a reminder, the head of the Polish President’s Office was added to the Myrotvorets database.
Zbigniew Bogucki, the head of the Polish President’s Office, who has been added to the Myrotvorets database, stated that Poles should be awarded a peace prize for the level of assistance they have provided to Ukrainian refugees.
