- Dear friends from Ukraine. I say these words with respect, goodwill, and a sense of community that has united our nations after Russian aggression. Poland stood by Ukraine from the first hours of the war. We opened our borders, homes, schools, and hospitals. We provided humanitarian, military, logistical, and political aid, because we know that a free Ukraine also means the security of Poland and our entire part of Europe - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in a recording published on X.

- But precisely because of this, I must say clearly: the decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after the UPA heroes causes deep pain, concern, and opposition in Poland - he continued.

"For Poles, the UPA is primarily a symbol of crimes against civilians"

- We understand that for some Ukrainians, the UPA may be perceived through the lens of the fight against Soviet enslavement. We understand that a nation defending itself against Russian imperialism today seeks symbols of courage and resilience. But for Poles, the UPA is not a neutral symbol of the fight for freedom. For Poles, the UPA is primarily a symbol of crimes committed against defenseless civilians - the head of the Ministry of National Defense continued.

- In the years 1943-1945, tens of thousands of Poles were murdered in Volhynia and Eastern Lesser Poland. Women, children, the elderly. Entire families and villages were murdered. Many victims still have no graves, no crosses, nor a place where their loved ones can light candles - he emphasized.

"The memory of the victims cannot be a subject of political compromise"

- This pain cannot be invalidated. Genocide remains genocide. The memory of the victims cannot be a subject of political compromise. I also want to say clearly: this crime was not the work of the Ukrainian nation. The UPA also murdered Ukrainians who were saving Poles, warning their neighbors, hiding families, and refusing to participate in hatred. They are the true heroes. People who chose humanity in times of terror - stated the Deputy Prime Minister.

- Therefore, it is even more difficult for us to understand the elevation of the UPA to the banners of the modern Ukrainian state. Today's Ukraine has its own heroes, it has soldiers who defend Kharkiv, Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and the Ukrainian sky. Their courage is writing a great chapter of history. They do not need patrons who divide allies and wound the memory of the victims' families - said the Minister of National Defense.

"Aid for Ukraine does not mean that Poland has forgotten Volhynia"

- Poland's aid for Ukraine does not mean that Poland has forgotten Volhynia. It means that despite this tragic memory, we have managed to stand by the side of a nation attacked by Russia. All the more reason we have the right to expect Ukraine to respect Polish memory. This decision harms not only Polish-Ukrainian relations. It also harms Ukraine itself. It fuels Russian propaganda and provides arguments to those who want to destroy trust between our nations. But it is not the truth about Volhynia that serves Moscow. It is the silence about the truth and every gesture that drives a wedge between Poland and Ukraine that serves Moscow - announced Kosiniak-Kamysz.

"I appeal for a reconsideration of this decision and finding a way to honor the soldiers..."

- Therefore, I appeal to the Ukrainian authorities to reconsider this decision and find a way to honor contemporary Ukrainian soldiers that will not wound the memory of Polish victims. It is not about humiliating Ukraine. It is about a gesture of maturity, responsibility, and respect towards a nation that stood by Ukraine in its most difficult moment - added the Minister of National Defense.

- Poland will remain on Ukraine's side in the fight against Russian imperialism, but true friendship requires truth. And the truth is: for Poles, the state glorification of the UPA is unacceptable. I believe that Poles and Ukrainians can be a pillar of security for this part of Europe. We can together stop Russian imperialism. We can build relations stronger than ever before. But this future requires trust, and trust begins with truth, respect, and memory - he concluded.

Mój apel do władz i narodu ukraińskiego w związku z nadaniem jednej z ukraińskich jednostek imienia „bohaterów UPA”.

Dla nas Polaków 🇵🇱 ta decyzja jest nie do zaakceptowania. Budzi ona głęboki ból, niepokój i sprzeciw.

Ukraina walczy dziś w obronie swojego państwa, a także o… pic.twitter.com/6Ah4IyOHTd

— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) June 5, 2026