Poland’s government has escalated tensions with Ukraine over the commemoration of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group that played a contentious role in World War II. Polish President Andrzej Duda’s office accused Ukraine of “glorifying collaborators” after Kyiv’s decision to honor the UPA, a move that has reignited historical grievances between the two nations. The dispute underscores the fraught politics of memory in Central and Eastern Europe, where wartime actions continue to shape contemporary relations.
Why is the UPA Controversial in Poland?
The UPA, formed in 1942, sought Ukrainian independence from both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. However, its collaboration with Nazi forces during the war has left a legacy of division. Polish officials and historians, including David Marples, a professor at the University of Alberta, have documented UPA-led massacres of ethnic Poles and Jews in Volhynia and eastern Galicia between 1943 and 1944. “Some Ukrainian nationalists aligned with the Nazis, wearing uniforms and swearing allegiance to Hitler,” Marples wrote in a 2019 analysis.
The Polish Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), led by former director Karol Nawrocki, has long investigated wartime atrocities on Polish soil. Nawrocki, now a presidential advisor, has criticized Ukraine for “providing Moscow with oxygen for disinformation” by honoring the UPA. Poland’s government has also threatened to revoke the Order of the White Eagle, one of its highest honors, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the issue.
How Does This Affect Polish-Ukrainian Relations?
The dispute comes as Poland remains a key ally of Ukraine, supplying military aid and hosting refugees. However, historical tensions risk straining this partnership. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s coalition has urged caution, warning that “historical grievances must not overshadow the shared goal of defeating Russian aggression.”
Ukrainian officials have defended the UPA as a symbol of resistance against foreign domination. Zelenskyy’s decision to honor the group is seen as a move to bolster support within the Ukrainian military and nationalist circles. “This is a political calculation to maintain internal cohesion,” said Olexiy Haran, a Ukrainian political analyst.
What Role Does History Play in Modern Politics?
The UPA controversy reflects broader struggles over historical memory in the region. Poland’s right-wing Law and Justice Party (PiS) has previously faced criticism for politicizing history, including the 2018 controversy over the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk. Meanwhile, Ukraine has grappled with its own complex wartime past, including the 1939-1941 period when parts of western Ukraine were under Nazi control.
The Sybir Memorial Museum in Białystok, Poland, highlights the region’s shared history. Its director, Agnieszka Kaczmarska, emphasized that “Poland’s identity is intertwined with the East, and we must confront these histories together.” However, unresolved tensions persist, particularly regarding access to wartime graves in Russia and Belarus, which remain restricted under current regimes.
What Are the Broader Implications for Europe?
The dispute underscores the challenges of reconciling historical narratives in a region shaped by competing nationalisms. As Ukraine seeks EU integration, its ability to navigate these issues will be critical. Meanwhile, Poland’s role as a regional leader requires balancing its historical sensitivities with its strategic interests.
Historians warn that “memory wars” could hinder regional cooperation. “The past is not a relic—it shapes present-day politics,” said Timothy Snyder, a Yale University professor. “Ukraine and Poland must find common ground to move forward.”
As both nations navigate these tensions, the resolution of historical disputes will remain a pivotal test of their commitment to a shared European future.
