Full Breakdown
Polish Far-Right Demands EU Block on Ukraine Over UPA Honorary Title
6/2/2026, 9:32:04 PM
Bosak’s Call to Block Ukraine’s EU Accession
On 2 June, Krzysztof Bosak, deputy speaker of the Sejm and Confederation leader, urged Poland to block Ukraine’s EU accession and suspend Starlink financing and EU loans until Kyiv abandons what he described as a “cult of criminals” and fully unblocks all exhumations of Volyn massacre victims. He called it merely symbolic.
Historical Context of the UPA Dispute
The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) fought for independence during WWII. In the 1943-44 Volyn massacres, UPA killed tens of thousands of Polish civilians; retaliatory killings claimed thousands of Ukrainians. Poland’s parliament classifies the events as genocide, while Ukrainian historians view them as part of a broader wartime conflict. The dispute resurfaced when Zelenskyy’s May 26 decree awarded the elite Separate Special Operations Center “North” the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA,” which Kyiv says restores “historical traditions of the national military.”
Official Statements & Responses
President Nawrocki will propose at the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle on 8 June that Zelenskyy be stripped of the award, arguing that Zelenskyy has given Russia extensive propaganda support and that glorifying UPA members shows Ukraine is not ready to join the European family. Prime minister Tusk warned row must not undermine ties. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said the decree “did not intend to offend the friendly Polish people.” Marcin Przydacz called for Zelenskyy to apologize personally.
Criticism & Opposition
Former prime minister Leszek Miller likened honoring the UPA to “Germany naming a military unit after the Einsatzgruppen.” Former president Lech Walesa called the decree “unacceptable and deeply hurtful to the memory of the victims.” Analysts note Nawrocki’s stance reinforces his appeal to conservative voters and shields the governing coalition from pressure by the Confederation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We should announce that Poland will block Ukraine's accession to the EU until they abandon their cult of criminals and fully unblock all exhumations (of the Volyn massacre victims),” — Krzysztof Bosak, Deputy Speaker, Confederation
- “If we want to exert real pressure on Ukraine, we need to move to more concrete measures that will have an effective impact,” — Krzysztof Bosak, Deputy Speaker, Confederation
- “Zelensky said the designation was intended to restore “historical traditions of the national military” and recognize the unit’s role in defending Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President, Ukraine
- “a lot of oxygen to Russian propaganda,” — Karol Nawrocki, President, Poland
- “a lot of oxygen to Russian propaganda,” — Karol Nawrocki, President, Poland
Outlook
The Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle will consider stripping Zelenskyy of the White Eagle on 8 June. Polish legislators may debate suspending EU loans to Kyiv. The dispute may shape the 2027 campaign, with Confederation framing it as a test of national dignity.
