Tusk Demands a Response from Kyiv Over the Dispute with Poland
Poland has stated that it expects Ukraine to take a clear step toward easing tensions in bilateral relations following Kyiv’s decision regarding the commemoration of the UPA. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated explicitly that Warsaw considers this move unfortunate and is awaiting a response from the Ukrainian side. Once again, sensitive historical issues that have strained relations between the two countries for years have taken center stage in the dispute.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Warsaw is counting on Kyiv to take the first step following a decision that Poland perceived as an escalation of the historical dispute. The issue concerns the conferral of an honorary title on a unit of the Defense Forces linked to the UPA, a move that drew criticism from Polish politicians and became a new source of tension in relations between the two countries.
During a press conference, Tusk noted that he had received signals from Ukrainian politicians at various levels, including a letter from former President Viktor Yushchenko calling for work on a joint historical dialogue. He emphasized that dialogue about the past is important, but it is not enough without concrete steps that would reduce tensions. “We expect Ukraine to take the first step following this unfortunate decision. It would be good to hear a very clear signal from Kyiv,” Tusk said, stressing that Warsaw wants not only intentions but also concrete actions.
The dispute arose after Ukraine awarded an honorary title to one of the Special Operations Forces units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in late May, with a reference to the UPA. In Poland, this decision was met with strong opposition, as the topic of the UPA remains one of the most sensitive issues in bilateral relations due to the history of the Volhynia events of 1943, which Warsaw characterizes as genocide, while the Ukrainian side emphasizes the complexity and mutual nature of the conflict.
Despite political statements, both sides periodically emphasize the importance of their strategic partnership; however, historical issues continue to be a source of regular diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw, according to Polsat News.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that he expects a “clear signal” from Ukraine to ease tensions in bilateral relations. According to him, the reason was President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to name one of the units after the heroes of the UPA.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that the development of Polish-Ukrainian relations must be based on mutual goodwill. He noted that constructive dialogue is impossible if only one side demonstrates a willingness to cooperate.
