Putin and Zacharowa about Poland at a forum in St. Petersburg. Controversy over the “Heroes of UPA” unit

Putin and Zacharowa about Poland at a forum in St. Petersburg. Controversy over the “Heroes of UPA” unit

*Putin and Zakharova Comment on Poland at St. Petersburg Forum Amid “Heroes of UPA” Controversy

At a forum in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on growing tensions between Poland and Ukraine following the controversy surrounding the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA” given to a Ukrainian military unit. Their remarks highlighted historical disagreements that have recently strained relations between Warsaw and Kyiv.

The dispute centers on the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which is viewed differently in the two countries. Many Ukrainians regard the UPA as part of the struggle for national independence, while Poland associates the group with the World War II Volhynia massacres, in which large numbers of Polish civilians were killed. This difference in historical interpretation has remained a sensitive issue for decades.

Russian officials argued that the disagreement reflects deeper historical divisions between Poland and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Polish leaders have criticized the decision to use the “Heroes of the UPA” designation, while also emphasizing that continued cooperation with Ukraine remains important for regional security. Ukrainian officials have said the naming was intended to honor resistance against Soviet rule rather than to offend Poland and have called for continued dialogue between the two countries.

Despite the controversy, both Poland and Ukraine have indicated that they want to prevent historical disputes from undermining broader cooperation. Analysts note that resolving disagreements over historical memory will likely remain an important challenge in maintaining stable relations between the two neighboring countries.