Ukraine’s Military Unit Renaming Sparks Polish-EU Diplomacy Row

Published on 08/07/2026 – 13:27 GMT+2

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved an amendment condemning Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to rename an elite Ukrainian military unit after the World War II-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The move sparked a diplomatic dispute with Poland, which has condemned the unit’s association with actions against Poles during 1943-45 massacres recognized as genocide. The renamed unit, previously called the 92nd Territorial Defence Brigade, is no longer officially listed in Ukrainian military records, though historical context about its formation in 2007 under a different designation persists.

A large majority of MEPs voted to condemn the “unnecessary escalation” of tensions, emphasizing Poland’s historical trauma over the UPA’s legacy while reaffirming support for Ukraine’s EU accession. The amendment, introduced by Polish MEP Andrzej Halicki and German lawmaker Michael Gahler, was included in a report evaluating Ukraine’s progress toward joining the European Union.

Poland’s stance contrasts with Ukraine’s commemoration of the UPA as national heroes. Presidents on both sides have denounced each other’s actions: Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle honor, awarded in 2023, after the military name change. This escalation disrupted the Gdańsk Ukraine Recovery Conference, where Ukraine’s Prime Minister Svyrydenko replaced Zelenskyy as keynote speaker. Polish public opposition to Ukraine’s EU membership bid rose to 60% in recent polls, linked to the ongoing historical disputes.

Zelenskyy acknowledged internal tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw, calling for mutual reconciliation. “We must overcome historical grievances and focus on collective security amid Russia’s aggression,” he stated. The European Parliament’s resolution, however, stressed that such commemorations “undermine neighbouring relations” and “contradict European values of unity and reconciliation.”

Despite the row, lawmakers emphasized Ukraine’s integration into European structures. The resolution reiterated Poland’s support for Ukraine against Russian attacks and underscored the EU’s commitment to assisting Kyiv’s reforms. MEPs urged both nations to de-escalate rhetoric while working toward bridging historical divides to strengthen Europe’s geopolitical resilience.

“Ukraine’s future lies in the EU,” the text affirmed, aligning with the bloc’s strategic priorities. Lawmakers called for preserving historical memory while fostering dialogue, rejecting actions that could jeopardize bilateral cooperation or regional stability.

Source link