European Parliament approves amendment slamming Zelensky for renaming military unit
Brussels, July 9
The European Parliament has approved an amendment that slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to change the name of an elite Ukrainian military unit after the second World War era Ukrainian Insurgent Army, a move that has sparked a diplomatic dispute between Warsaw and Kyiv, a report has said.
Most of the members of the European Parliament voted in favour of the amendment, which expressed regret over Zelensky's "recent unnecessary and unprovoked escalation" while highlighting Poland's support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's military action, Euro News reported.
Polish member of European Parliament from the European People's Party, Andrzej Halicki, and his German colleague Michael Gahler, tabled the amendment and included a report analysing Ukraine's path to EU membership.
The UPA in Ukraine is remembered for its role in opposing Soviet rule and fighting for Ukrainian independence while, in Poland, it is linked to the Volyn massacre of 1943-45, during which tens of thousands of people of Poland were killed under Nazi occupation. Poland considers the massacre a genocide, a label rejected by Ukraine.
The European Parliament's text has expressed regret over what it termed the "disregard for Polish sensitivities and grief linked to the UPA's estimated tens of thousands of victims and their families" in Zelensky's decision. It said that Zelensky's decision affects neighbourly ties and is not in accordance with the European values, calling for de-escalation and reconciliation between Ukraine and Poland, Euro News reported.
Following Zelensky's decision, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped the Ukrainian President of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honour, which was awarded to him in 2023.
Despite the amendment, the European's Parliament resolution has reiterated support for Ukraine's fight against Russia and recognised the country's progress towards accession to the EU.
Notably, the EU nations have offered military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow in 2022. Furthermore, the EU has imposed sanctions against Russia, targeting the nation's political elite, military supply chains, energy revenues, and financial systems.
— IANS
Reader Comments
🇮🇳 It's ironic that the same EU which is arming Ukraine to the teeth is now scolding Zelensky over a name change. I understand Poland's pain about the Volyn massacre—it's like if someone glorified a group that had done terrible things during Partition in India. But Ukraine is at war; maybe a little understanding is needed from all sides?
This is exactly why history education is so important. The UPA is a hero in Ukraine for fighting Soviets but a villain in Poland for the ethnic cleansing. Ukraine should have consulted Poland before doing this. Even in India, we handle Pakistan's or Bangladesh's historical sensitivities carefully. Zelensky made a serious diplomatic blunder here.
The EU is sending mixed signals—supporting Ukraine's fight but then publicly rebuking its leader over a symbolic decision. From an outsider's perspective, this looks like Western unity is starting to crack. Perhaps Ukraine needs to focus more on diplomacy with its neighbors, especially Poland, which has been its biggest advocate.
As an Indian, I can totally relate to this bind. We have our own controversial historical figures who are heroes in one region and villains in another. The UPA issue is complex—they fought both Nazis and Soviets. Zelensky's decision shows he's playing to nationalist sentiments at home, but it's alienating a crucial ally. Big mistake, bohot badi galti!
I'm surprised the EU went this far. Stripping him of an award is a huge diplomatic snub. It feels like the West is forgetting that Ukraine is fighting for its existence. Sure, the naming was a mistake,
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.