Ukraine Proposes Diplomatic Roadmap to Defuse Historical Dispute with Poland

On July 3, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Warsaw and offered a “package of anti-crisis steps.” The plan proposes foreign-ministry consultations, a follow-up World War II historians’ congress, and joint dialogue with religious leaders to ease tensions after Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).

Sybiha Proposes Anti-Crisis Steps to Improve Poland TiesUnited24 Media

The dispute stems from a May 26 decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy granting the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA” to the Separate Special Operations Center “North.” Polish officials view the UPA as linked to anti-Polish actions, sparking diplomatic protest.

United24 Media

• May 26, 2024 – Zelenskyy’s decree naming the unit after the UPA.

United24 Media

• June 19, 2024 – President Karol Nawrocki revokes the Order of the White Eagle, previously awarded to Zelenskyy.

United24 Media

• July 3, 2024 – Sybiha presents the anti-crisis package to Sikorski in Warsaw.

Sybiha Proposes Anti-Crisis Steps to Improve Poland Ties

Sybiha noted progress over the past 18 months, citing resumed joint historian congresses and reopened exhumation permits. He also referenced cooperation on border infrastructure, faster customs processing, and joint reconstruction projects discussed after the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk.

Sybiha Proposes Anti-Crisis Steps to Improve Poland Ties

Kyiv stressed a commitment to “equal and honest dialogue” and said the unit’s name was not an anti-Polish gesture. Warsaw, while reaffirming defence support, formally withdrew the Order of the White Eagle and announced the revocation through presidential channels. President Zelenskyy returned the decoration to Poland via courier.

United24 Media

Polish officials condemned the naming, linking it to historic grievances with the UPA. The revocation of the Order of the White Eagle was presented as a diplomatic protest, reflecting domestic pressure to protect Polish historical memory.

United24 Media

Both countries cite a “common enemy—Russia,” and fear Moscow could exploit their dispute. A stable partnership underpins Ukraine’s frontline defence, military-technical projects, and preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara, making the anti-crisis package vital for security.

United24 Media

The anti-crisis package calls for ongoing foreign-ministry consultations, further historian meetings and religious-leader dialogues, with both ministries aiming to coordinate positions before the NATO summit in Ankara.

Sybiha Proposes Anti-Crisis Steps to Improve Poland Ties

• “The time has come to put emotions aside. We have enough wisdom, lessons from our shared history, and political will to not allow Moscow to rejoice at the tension between two closest neighbors.” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister

United24 Media

• “I proposed a package of anti-crisis steps.” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister

Sybiha Proposes Anti-Crisis Steps to Improve Poland Ties

• “We respect the history of others, and we expect the same approach toward our own history and independence from our partners.” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister

Sybiha Proposes Anti-Crisis Steps to Improve Poland Ties

• “Poland is vital for Ukraine, just as Ukraine is for Poland. We share a common enemy—Russia—and a common challenge: Russian aggression.” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister

United24 MediaSybiha Proposes Anti-Crisis Steps to Improve Poland Ties