Poland has threatened to block Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Кордон із Польщею. Ілюстративне фото
Poland will not support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union unless Kyiv reconsider its approach to honoring OUN and UPA figures, in particular Stepan Bandera.
This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Poland Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Polsat News reports.
According to him, the use of the OUN and UPA as national symbols could prove a serious obstacle to Ukraine’s European integration. He emphasized that Warsaw will take a firm stance on this issue and demand that Kyiv abandon its celebration of the leaders of the Ukrainian nationalist movement.
“The EU cannot put those who destroy European cooperation on a pedestal. Ukraine will not join the European Union with Bandera,” stated Kosinyak Kamysh.
The Polish official also noted that every EU candidate country must meet strict criteria, particularly regarding historical memory. In his opinion, European partnership cannot be based on the celebration of figures or movements that are controversial or negatively perceived in other EU member states.
As a reminder, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle in connection with the awarding of the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA” to the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Subsequently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent the Polish President the Order of the White Eagle, which he had previously been awarded. This followed a scandal surrounding the naming of a Ukrainian unit after UPA heroes, which was perceived in Poland as a sign of disrespect.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced he would return the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit for Poland. Meanwhile, the Head of the Presidential Office , Kyrylo Budanov, and the Deputy Head of the Office, Ihor Zhovkva, announced the return of Polish state awards. They made this decision after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle.
At the same time, former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and the third Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko refused the Order of the White Eagle , which they received from Poland.
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