Amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Poland over a historical issue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has opted not to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland. The conference, designed to rally international backing and investment for Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding efforts, will instead see the Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. This event is taking place in Gdańsk, Poland.
The friction stems from Zelenskyy’s recent endorsement of naming a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This group is seen by many Ukrainians as part of their quest for independence, yet it is also associated with the deaths of thousands of Poles during World War II, a perspective that has sparked disapproval from Polish officials. Among those critical is Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who has accused Ukraine of dismissing the historical suffering tied to the UPA.
This decision has complicated the relationship between Kyiv and Warsaw, allies who have closely collaborated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite these tensions, Zelenskyy has defended his decision, asserting that military units should have the autonomy to choose names linked to Ukrainian history. He also cautioned that such political disagreements might undermine the cooperation between Ukraine and Poland, especially amid ongoing security threats.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for both nations to ease the tensions, emphasizing that these disagreements should not harm the strategic partnership they share. Meanwhile, European officials have warned that deteriorating relations between Ukraine and Poland could inadvertently benefit Russia, underlining the importance of sustained collaboration between the neighboring countries.