The Speaker of the Polish Sejm called Ukraine's decision regarding the UPA "foolish" and called for dialogue
Włodzimierz Czazasty, Speaker of the Polish Sejm, sharply criticized Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after UPA heroes, calling it “nonsense,” but stressed the need to maintain dialogue between Warsaw and Kyiv.
At the same time, the politician stressed that an escalation in relations between the two countries benefits only Russia, which continues to wage a full-scale war against Ukraine.
Commenting on the situation, Chazhasty said: “Ukraine’s decision regarding the UPA name was scandalous. It was wrong, and I condemn this decision. But are we trying to find a way out of this conflict and this dispute?”
He also stressed that Poland must act cautiously in matters of bilateral relations during the war.
“Poland must act prudently, because negotiating with someone while a gun is held to your head—regardless of whether you’re right or wrong—I’m afraid won’t yield any results,” he noted.
The politician emphasized that Poland’s stability and Europe’s security are directly linked to Ukraine.
“Poland will not be safe without Ukraine. Ukraine will not join the European Union without Poland. Perhaps we should finally set some conditions,” he said.
According to him, despite political disputes, countries must maintain cooperation, as severing ties only strengthens Russia’s position.
Chazhasty also commented on historical disputes between the nations, stressing that they can only be resolved over time and through dialogue.
“Until the peoples forgive one another, no politician will resolve this for them. Do you know what it takes? Time,” the speaker added.
Earlier, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced the decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of an award, marking another escalation in the debate between the two countries over historical memory, particularly regarding the activities of the UPA.
He made this statement on Polsat News.
Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski stated that the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Polish politics could have serious consequences for the country’s economy and labor market.
The third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, emphasized that in relations between Ukraine and Poland, it is important to maintain the political formula of “we forgive and ask for forgiveness.”
Former Polish Sejm deputy Piotr Fogler returned his state award—the “Golden Cross of Merit”—to the president as a sign of protest and solidarity with Ukraine.
Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman announced that he had returned the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received in 2011 for developing regional cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish cities.
On June 20, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko also announced that he was renouncing his Polish state order, emphasizing that this step was not directed against the Polish people; at the same time, he also made some critical remarks about incumbent President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Earlier, Zelenskyy had sent Navrotsky the Order of the White Eagle via Nova Poshta.
Following this, Leonid Kuchma declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
Ukraine’s third president, Viktor Yushchenko, also declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
In addition, Borys Tarasyuk will return the Polish order due to Navrotsky’s policies.
