Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not be present at the Ukraine Recovery Conference taking place in Poland, as tensions rise between Kyiv and Warsaw over a historical controversy tied to a Ukrainian military unit. Instead, Ukraine will be represented by a delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko at the event in Gdańsk, which seeks to secure international backing and investment for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
The friction originated when Zelenskyy authorized a Ukrainian military unit to be named after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). While the UPA is seen by many Ukrainians as part of their struggle for independence, it is associated in Poland with the deaths of thousands of Poles during the Second World War. This decision drew criticism from Polish authorities, including President Karol Nawrocki, who accused Ukraine of disregarding historical grievances. Despite the strong collaboration between the two nations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, this disagreement has strained their relations.
Zelenskyy, defending his decision, argued that military units should have the freedom to select names that resonate with Ukrainian history. He cautioned that political disagreements could jeopardize the crucial cooperation between Ukraine and Poland, especially given the ongoing security threats. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for calm, emphasizing that the differences should not undermine the strategic partnership that has developed between the countries.
European officials have weighed in, expressing concern that the deteriorating ties between Ukraine and Poland could be advantageous for Russia. They have urged the neighboring allies to continue their collaboration, underlining the importance of unity in the face of shared challenges.
