Poland Threatens to Block Ukraine's EU Path Over Historical Disputes
Poland's defense minister has stated that his country will not support Ukraine's accession to the European Union unless Kyiv stops honoring leaders of OUN and UPA, including Stepan Bandera.
Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has laid out a clear condition for Ukraine's European Union membership path. He declared that Poland will not agree to Ukraine's entry into the EU if Kyiv continues to honor members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), including Stepan Bandera.
The statement comes at a time when Ukraine is actively pursuing integration into Western structures, including starting accession negotiations with the EU. Historical issues between the two countries have long caused tension. OUN and UPA are organizations that operated in Ukrainian territory during World War II and are associated with controversial events, including actions against Polish civilians.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that Poland considers it important for Ukraine to show proper respect for history and stop glorifying these figures. This stance could become a serious obstacle to Ukraine's European integration process, as Poland is one of the most influential countries in the region and plays a key role in EU decision-making.
It is currently unclear how Kyiv will respond to this demand. Ukrainian officials have previously indicated that the historical assessment of OUN and UPA is complex, and some figures are revered as independence fighters. However, to make progress in EU talks, Ukraine may need to consider the historical sensitivities of its neighboring countries.
