Polish Sejm Speaker Calls Ukraine's Decision on UPA Unit 'Foolish' but Urges Cooperation

Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the Speaker of the Polish Sejm, described Ukraine's decision to name one of its military units after the heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) as "foolishness," but emphasized the need for cooperation, noting that only Russia would benefit from escalation.

Czarzasty, leader of the New Left, refused to comment on Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. He said he did not want to divide Polish society and added that "there is no point in criticizing or supporting anyone in such matters, as it triggers emotions and leads nowhere."

The speaker stressed that "Poland will be independent and strong when Ukraine is independent and strong." He also stated: "Poland without Ukraine will not be safe. But Ukraine without Poland will not join the European Union. Maybe we should finally set conditions."

He called for prudent steps, saying: "Until nations forgive each other, no politician can decide that for them. It takes time."

As a reminder, on the evening of June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Zelenskyy of the highest Polish award, the Order of the White Eagle, over the naming of a Ukrainian unit after the UPA. Following this, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar, and Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov announced they would return their Polish awards. On June 20, Zelenskyy said he had sent the order back by mail to Nawrocki. All former Ukrainian presidents who had received the award also renounced it.