The European Parliament has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over his decision to rename an elite Ukrainian military unit in honor of the “Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army” (UPA), a World War II-era nationalist organization accused by Poland of involvement in mass killings of Poles and Jews.
In a resolution adopted by MEPs, the European Parliament said the move demonstrated “disregard for Poland’s sensitivity and grief” and could harm relations between the two neighboring countries. The resolution was approved with 460 votes in favor, 136 against, and 59 abstentions.
The controversy began in late May, when Zelensky awarded the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA” to the Independent Special Operations Center “North” of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. While Ukraine recognizes the UPA as a group that fought against Soviet rule and sought Ukrainian independence, Poland links the organization to the Volhynia tragedy, during which thousands of Poles and Jews were killed in what is now western Ukraine and eastern Poland during World War II.
The European Parliament said the decision was inconsistent with European values and called for efforts to reduce tensions and resume dialogue between Kyiv and Warsaw. MEPs urged both sides to seek reconciliation through “renewed efforts in the spirit of goodwill.”
