Sikorski and Sybiha meet in Warsaw as Poland-Ukraine tensions simmer over UPA honors

Background of the crisis

Tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv escalated after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named a military unit "Heroes of the UPA" (Ukrainian Insurgent Army). In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, which the Ukrainian leader returned by mail. Zelenskyy then announced a National Pantheon of Heroes, stating that "no one will ever dictate how to live, what to say, whom to love, whom to be grateful to, and which heroes to respect." Unofficial reports suggested Stepan Bandera, the UPA leader, could be among those honored, deepening the rift.

The Warsaw meeting

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha requested the July 3 meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, according to PAP. After the talks, Sybiha left without speaking to journalists, while Sikorski told a press conference that "in this case more than ever, diplomacy prefers silence to public demonstrations." He added that "diplomacy is conducted in appropriate forums; it requires emotions to cool down, for countries to think about their interests."

“In these relations there are those who play for scoring political points. That is often good for them, but bad for Polish-Ukrainian relations. We are engaged in patient work.”

Proposals and reactions

Sybiha later posted on X that he had proposed an anti-crisis package: consultations between foreign ministries, a meeting of World War II historians who took part in the Polish-Ukrainian Historians Congress in May, and an appeal to religious leaders of both nations to use their authority in bilateral dialogue. He reiterated that the unit naming had no anti-Polish dimension. "We respect the history of others and expect the same approach to our own history and independence from our partners," he wrote.

“History will not forgive us if we waste this chance.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki, present at the meeting, said Poland still expects a correction of the naming decision. "Unfortunately, we have had declarations so far. By their fruits you will know them, so we are waiting for deeds," he noted. Paweł Kowal, head of the government's Council for Cooperation with Ukraine, offered a cryptic remark: "John Paul II watches over Polish-Ukrainian relations, it will be fine."

Public opinion in Poland

A SW Research poll for rp.pl published on July 4 found that nearly half of respondents believe Ukraine is responsible for the escalation, while every fourth sees blame on both sides. The survey underscores the domestic political pressure on the Polish government as it navigates the crisis.

Outlook

Both ministers agreed that constructive dialogue and historical truth are key to improving relations. The Polish foreign ministry highlighted progress on exhumations of Polish remains in Ukraine and the positive outcome of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk. Sybiha stressed that Ukraine is fighting an existential battle with Russia, the common enemy, and that Moscow "rejoices at every rising tension between the two closest neighbors." Sikorski's emphasis on quiet diplomacy suggests Warsaw prefers to de-escalate behind closed doors rather than through public ultimatums.