Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has stated that Ukraine does not seek to escalate tensions in its bilateral relations with Poland. However, he emphasized that Ukraine will no longer overlook unfriendly or disrespectful actions directed towards the state, its president, its soldiers, and its right to its own historical narrative.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sybiha highlighted the importance of not politicizing sensitive historical issues. He remarked, “Yes, there have been difficult chapters, but let historians discuss those matters.”
The minister also pointed out that disrespect towards the Ukrainian president extends beyond mere awards. It reflects a broader disregard for the Ukrainian people and their right to define their own history. He declared, “We will not tolerate this. No president of another state will dictate our history to us anymore.”
Sybiha reiterated that Ukraine will respond reciprocally to any actions deemed unfriendly or disrespectful. He stated, “The time for ignoring these issues has passed.”
Additionally, Sybiha criticized Polish President Karol Nawrocki, labeling him a “destroyer of the positive developments” achieved between Ukraine and Poland in recent times. He noted that Nawrocki’s actions have not gone unnoticed, receiving applause from Moscow.
On June 19, Nawrocki announced the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In response, Sybiha declared his refusal to accept the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of Poland. Other Ukrainian officials, including former head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, his deputy Ihor Zhovkva, and Ukrainian Ambassador to Warsaw Vasyl Bodnar, also declined Polish honors.
On June 20, former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko also rejected their Orders of the White Eagle.
On May 26, President Zelensky issued a decree to honor the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the title “in the name of the Heroes of the UPA.” This decision aimed to restore historical traditions within the national military.
Following this, Nawrocki criticized Zelensky’s decision on May 29, proposing to strip him of the Order of the White Eagle. The decree drew condemnation from some Polish historians and politicians, who argued that UPA fighters committed crimes against Poles in Volhynia.
The Polish Institute of National Remembrance stated that the UPA is responsible for “genocide in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia,” asserting that the creation of a cult around the Ukrainian Insurgent Army should be opposed by all who remember its actions.
Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has supported Ukraine, also condemned Zelensky’s decision. He announced he would remove the badge in the colors of the Ukrainian flag that he had worn since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion, stating, “By honoring the bandits of the UPA, the President of Ukraine has offended me and all our slain compatriots.”
On June 5, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked that Ukraine must “seek solutions” to address this issue. He expressed understanding for Nawrocki’s reaction, emphasizing that “no one will divide Polish public opinion or Polish authorities when it comes to the past and history.”
In response, Sybiha asserted that Ukrainian soldiers chose this name themselves and did not intend anything “anti-Polish” or to offend the Polish people.
The ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Poland have intensified following remarks from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha regarding historical narratives. The situation escalated after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked an honor from President Zelensky, prompting a series of refusals of Polish awards by Ukrainian officials.