The decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to name one of Ukraine’s military units after the “Heroes of the UPA” has sparked widespread debate in Poland. According to the latest SW Research poll, more than half of Poles say the move has negatively affected their attitude toward Ukraine and Ukrainians.
After the Ukrainian president named one of the country’s military units after the “Heroes of the UPA” in late May, a meeting of the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle was convened for Monday to consider, among other matters, President Nawrocki’s proposal to revoke the distinction previously awarded to Zelensky.
On Monday, the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle discussed the possibility of stripping the Ukrainian leader of the honor. “The President will make a decision at the appropriate time,” said Rafał Leśkiewicz, spokesperson for the Polish head of state. The President’s decision is still pending.
Zelensky’s decision. How do Poles view it?
The results of an SW Research survey conducted for rp.pl indicate that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to name one of Ukraine’s military units after the “Heroes of the UPA” has primarily triggered negative reactions in Poland.
More than half of respondents (51.9 percent) said the decision had worsened their perception of both Ukraine as a state and its citizens.
At the same time, nearly one-third of those surveyed (31.9 percent) stated that the decision by the Ukrainian authorities had not changed their attitude.
Far fewer respondents said that Zelensky’s move had improved their opinion of Ukraine, with only 4.5 percent selecting that response.
Meanwhile, 11.7 percent of participants said they had no clear opinion on the matter.
The survey results suggest that issues related to historical memory and the legacy of the UPA continue to evoke strong emotions in Poland and still influence public perceptions of Polish-Ukrainian relations.