Ukrainian Embassy in Poland: "Glory to UPA" graffiti is a manifestation of Russian hybrid warfare

The Ukrainian Embassy in Poland condemned "Glory to UPA" graffiti on the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw on Saturday, 14 November, calling it a manifestation of Russian hybrid warfare. European Pravda reported the embassy's statement. The matter is significant because it touches Ukrainian-Polish relations while Poland remains among Ukraine's supporters in its war against Russia. UPA stands for the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, an armed organisation whose name is a sensitive historical issue in Poland.

The statement said Polish media had reported the act of vandalism. The embassy condemned the provocation and any desecration of monuments, stressing that such acts are unacceptable. Diplomats expressed confidence that Polish law enforcement would identify those responsible and bring them to justice under current legislation. In their view, the unlawful act is part of a hybrid war that Russia is trying to wage in European countries, above all in Poland.

Aim of the provocation

The embassy said the goal of the provocation is obvious: to sow discord between Ukrainians and Poles, undermine mutual trust and weaken support for Ukraine. It added that the memory of the past, including those who died in the Warsaw Ghetto, must be properly honoured and that all possible measures should be taken to prevent such vandalism in future.

The embassy also urged Ukrainians living in Poland not to agree to "easy money" for painting graffiti, damaging property or carrying out other illegal tasks. It called for respect for the laws of the host country, historical memory and one another's dignity. Ukrainian-Polish solidarity is a shared strength, it said, and the Russians must not be allowed to destroy it.

Other damage

The same day, "Glory to UPA" graffiti was also found on the Monument to the Soldier of the 1st Polish Army on the Square of Political Prisoners of Stalinism in Warsaw's Muranów district. According to Polish media, 11 other historical monuments in Warsaw, Gdynia and Poznań were damaged in a similar way over the past week.