Poland, Ukraine clash over historical grievances; Polish PM urges avoiding strategic errors

(Taipei, June 22, CNA) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated today that diplomatic conflicts between Polish and Ukrainian politicians over historical grievances from World War II will harm both sides and constitute a strategic error.

The dispute was sparked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's earlier announcement to name an elite unit of the Ukrainian army "UPA Heroes," a move that crossed a red line in Poland's national memory.

According to official Polish estimates, approximately 100,000 Polish civilians were killed by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) during the Volhynia massacres between 1943 and 1945.

On June 17, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honor, which had been awarded to Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy subsequently returned the medal by mail, followed by three former Ukrainian presidents and several high-ranking officials returning their medals.

Tusk posted on X (formerly Twitter) that "The conflict between Polish and Ukrainian politicians will cause harm to both sides and is a strategic mistake, both commercially, geopolitically, and in terms of reputation. As everyone knows, political mistakes are worse than crimes."

He added, "While discussing with European partners, I am trying to minimize losses and de-escalate tensions, but this is by no means easy."

Zelenskyy also posted a statement on X, saying that Ukraine and Poland can only be "partners and friends," and that if political struggles continue, it could lead to an "escalation of danger."

He said, "Our soldiers chose a heroic name for themselves. As president and commander-in-chief, I must support them. Without Ukraine, Poland cannot have security guarantees."