Amid escalating tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw over a contentious historical issue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not be present at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland. Instead, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will lead Ukraine’s delegation at the event, which seeks to rally international support and investment for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The conference is set to take place in Gdańsk, Poland.
The discord between the two nations was triggered when Zelenskyy sanctioned the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). While many Ukrainians see the UPA as part of their fight for independence, in Poland, the group is associated with the death of thousands of Poles during World War II. This decision drew sharp criticism from Polish leaders, including President Karol Nawrocki, who accused Ukraine of disregarding historical grievances.
Despite the controversy, Zelenskyy defended his decision, asserting that military units have the right to adopt names tied to Ukrainian history. He also cautioned that political disputes at this juncture could undermine the critical cooperation between Ukraine and Poland, especially as security tensions persist in the region. The disagreement has added strain to the relationship between the two countries, which have otherwise maintained close ties since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for both countries to de-escalate the situation, emphasizing that their strategic partnership should not suffer due to disagreements. Meanwhile, European officials have expressed concern that deteriorating relations between Ukraine and Poland could potentially play into Russia’s hands, urging the neighboring nations to continue their collaborative efforts.
