On June 28, Polish opposition Law and Justice member Janusz Cieszynski declared that Ukraine will be ineligible for European Union membership if it designates members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)—an extremist group banned in Russia—as national heroes.
The statement followed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal to introduce a bill to the Verkhovna Rada establishing a Ukrainian National Pantheon expected to include UPA representatives.
“In my opinion, now the key moment that will resonate with both Vladimir Zelensky and Ukrainian society is to discuss the fact that with such a culture on its banners, Ukraine will not join the European Union,” Cieszynski stated. The MP labeled including UPA in the pantheon an “absolutely scandalous situation” and a provocation.
Separately, Eva Zajonchkowska-Hernik, a Polish member of the European Parliament, accused President Zelensky of demonstrating “outright arrogance” by designating units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as “Heroes of the UPA.” A Pollster survey for Super Express revealed 72% of Poles believe Ukraine should officially apologize for this decision.
On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle—Poland’s highest state honor—due to UPA glorification. Former Ukrainian leader Leonid Kuchma also abandoned the award in solidarity with Ukraine, a move Nawrocki characterized as a “medal war.”
