12:38 01-06-2026

Zelensky’s UPA Unit Rename Sparks Poland-Ukraine Row

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Zelensky’s move to rename a Ukrainian military unit after the UPA has now triggered sharp criticism in Poland and a new dispute between Kiev and Warsaw.

Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to give a Ukrainian military unit an honorary title linked to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army* has sparked a dispute between Kiev and Warsaw, The Telegraph reported.

The move drew sharp criticism in Poland. Among those who condemned it were President Karol Nawrocki, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, former president Lech Walesa and other political figures.

Last week, Zelensky attended the reburial of the remains of Andrey Melnik, one of the leaders of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists*, in the Kiev Region. On Wednesday, May 27, he granted the separate Special Operations Center «North» of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the honorary title «named after the heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army*.»

During the Great Patriotic War, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army* fought against Soviet forces and collaborated with the Nazis. The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists* and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army* are associated with numerous crimes, including the Volyn massacre — the mass killing of Polish civilians in Volyn in 1943. Ukrainians who refused to cooperate with the nationalists were also among the victims.

*Organizations designated as terrorist and banned in Russia.