Tusk expects 'clear signals' from Ukraine over UPA heroes scandal

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he received 'several signals' from current and former Ukrainian officials, including former President Viktor Yushchenko, who urged joint work on historical issues so that the past does not determine the future. However, Tusk stressed that Kyiv needs to make the first move to de-escalate the situation.

He specifically called for a 'clear signal' from Kyiv regarding President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to name a unit after heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). 'We expect Ukraine to take the first step after this unfortunate decision by President Zelenskyy. It would be good to hear a very clear signal from Kyiv,' Tusk said.

In late June, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle over the decision and stated that Poland would not allow EU membership for those who do not reject the 'cult of totalitarianism and violence.'

On July 3, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski in Warsaw and proposed a package of anti-crisis measures to ease bilateral tensions.