'Worst-case scenario prevented': Ukraine and Poland hold crisis talks over historical row
Photo: Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, held closed-door talks in Poland aimed at resolving sensitive historical memory disputes between the two countries. According to RBC-Ukraine's source within the Presidential Office team, the Ukrainian side managed to prevent the worst-case scenario from unfolding.
According to the source, Budanov held a series of public and private meetings during his visit to Poland. In addition to discussing the continuation of mutually beneficial strategic cooperation, the parties also addressed contentious historical issues that have periodically strained relations between the two countries.
"As a result of the work carried out by the head of the Presidential Office and the entire team, the worst-case scenario was prevented, while fully taking into account Ukraine's national interests and showing respect for our partners," the source said.
The discussions reportedly involved issues far more complex than the controversy over awards and honors. Ukraine remains committed to developing constructive strategic cooperation but is also prepared to respond to unconstructive actions while defending its national interests and identity, the source added.
What is known about the latest Ukraine-Poland dispute
On May 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree granting the honorary title "Named after the Heroes of the UPA" to the Separate Special Operations Center North of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces.
The decision triggered a sharp reaction in Poland. The Polish Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine's ambassador and issued a formal protest, emphasizing the sensitivity of historical issues in bilateral relations.
Ukrainian officials stressed that the unit's name was an internal military decision and was not intended as an anti-Polish gesture. However, several Polish politicians warned of potential political consequences, including calls for an apology and suggestions that Poland should reconsider its approach to supporting Ukraine's EU integration.
On May 29, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced plans to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's highest state honor, linking the move to the naming decision.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged both sides not to escalate tensions, warning that disputes over history could negatively affect the future of bilateral relations.
It later emerged that high-level Ukrainian-Polish consultations had taken place, during which officials discussed both the reaction to Zelenskyy's decree and possible ways to ease tensions.
Representatives of Ukraine's Presidential Office, including Kyrylo Budanov, participated in the talks. Polish officials said the discussions also covered security issues, Russia's war against Ukraine, and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
