Nawrocki calls for ban on Ukrainian Insurgent Army flag in Poland
Polish President Karol Nawrocki (photo: Getty Images)
Poland is considering legislation that would ban the display of the red-and-black flag associated with the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists – Ukrainian Insurgent Army (OUN-UPA), arguing that the symbol is unacceptable, as stated by President Karol Nawrocki during a speech marking the anniversary of the Volhynia tragedy.
Call to symbol ban
According to the report, speaking at a commemoration ceremony in the village of Radruż near the Ukrainian border, Nawrocki compared the symbolism of the red-and-black flag to the Nazi Blut und Boden (Blood and Soil) slogan.
He said the colors represent an ideology that led to the mass killing of Polish civilians, including women and children.
Nawrocki expressed hope that the Polish parliament would approve legislation preventing the flag from being displayed in the country.
"Under this red-and-black flag, which we do not want to see in Poland—and I will do everything I can to ensure it is not seen in Poland—there was, and still is today, the entire ideology of Ukrainian nationalists who murdered Polish women and children," the Polish president said.
The proposal concerns presidential amendments to Poland's laws on the Institute of National Remembrance, the Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes Against the Polish Nation, and the country's Criminal Code.
Who Poland holds responsible
At the same time, the president stressed that Poland does not place blame on the Ukrainian people as a whole, but specifically on the ideology.
His criticism was directed at those who committed the killings, as well as those who continue to promote the red-and-black colors in the 21st century. He also acknowledged Ukrainians who rescued Poles during the tragic events.
"This is simply unacceptable, because glorifying genocide or turning a blind eye to it is an invitation to future genocide," Nawrocki said, drawing applause from those in attendance.
Debate over Volhynia tragedy
As previously reported, Ukraine is closely monitoring the consideration by the Polish Sejm of a bill that would amend the Criminal Code and the laws governing the Institute of National Remembrance.
In response, Kyiv has already urged Warsaw to avoid further escalation and refrain from steps that could harm bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, commemorative events marking the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynia tragedy are taking place in Ukraine's Volyn region on July 11. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz had previously announced plans to travel to Ukraine to honor the victims.
