Ukraine’s efforts to advance toward EU membership have been overshadowed by a growing dispute with Poland over President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to name a Ukrainian special forces unit after the “Heroes of the UPA.” The controversy has triggered political backlash in Poland, fueled anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, and prompted some politicians to call for blocking Ukraine’s EU accession and reducing support for Kyiv.
Attempts to ease tensions have so far produced little progress. Ukrainian officials, led by presidential office chief Kyrylo Budanov, traveled to Warsaw to discuss the issue after Zelensky’s May 26 decree. Poland considers the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) responsible for the 1943 massacre of Polish civilians, making the name politically sensitive. Polish President Karol Nawrocki criticized the decision and suggested Zelensky should be stripped of Poland’s highest state honor.
The dispute has quickly entered the debate over Ukraine’s EU membership. Nawrocki argued that the decision showed Ukraine was “not ready” for EU integration, while far-right politicians called for Warsaw to block accession talks. However, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and other government officials reaffirmed Poland’s support for Ukraine’s European integration. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the latest disagreement would not prevent accession talks from starting, though bilateral disputes could affect the process in the future.
The controversy has also intensified anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland. Politicians and media commentators have criticized officials of Ukrainian descent, prompting objections from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry. A recent survey found that more than half of respondents said the decision had worsened their view of Ukraine and Ukrainians.
Right-wing politicians have additionally used the dispute to question Poland’s financial and military support for Kyiv. Proposals have included suspending EU financial assistance, ending support for Ukraine’s Starlink access, and reconsidering infrastructure critical to military aid deliveries.
The dispute comes on top of existing tensions over agriculture, where many Polish farmers oppose Ukraine’s eventual EU membership. Analysts warn that the historical controversy could strengthen anti-Ukrainian political forces and become a significant issue in Poland’s next parliamentary election campaign.
If the standoff continues, it could complicate relations between two key regional partners and increase political pressure on Ukraine’s EU integration efforts, even as both governments seek to preserve their broader strategic cooperation.
