Zelensky strikes conciliatory tone on Poland dispute during Dublin visit, presses for EU accession progress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took a markedly conciliatory stance toward Poland on Wednesday during a visit to Dublin, where Ireland formally began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. Days earlier he had insisted that no one would dictate to Ukraine how to live or which heroes to honor, but in front of reporters he said shared history and a common aggressor now take priority.

A shift in language on the UPA dispute

Zelensky was asked whether the naming of a military unit after UPA heroes could derail Ukraine’s EU accession. He replied that Poland and Ukraine are "linked by history" and acknowledged past problems between neighbours.

We are neighbours and, like most countries in Europe, we had problems in the past. But we are living now and we are dealing with one aggressor. We must think about security.

He added that if questions remain, answers will be found.

Ambitions for the EU negotiation process

Despite public warnings from Warsaw and Budapest, Zelensky said he expects unanimous support from member states for Ukraine’s membership.

We count on the unanimity of member states. The Union should be guided by principles, not emotions. Ukraine has met all the conditions for opening the clusters, and we hope the Hungarian prime minister and the Polish government will back our accession.

He expressed hope that the five remaining negotiation clusters could be opened soon.

Resistance from Poland and Hungary

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz had previously declared that "Ukraine with Bandera will not enter the European Union," and Hungary had signalled it would not support accelerated accession. Zelensky’s Dublin remarks appeared calibrated to avoid deepening those rifts while keeping the accession track alive.

Ireland’s presidency and the search for compromise

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin acknowledged that bilateral disputes are not new to the accession process, pointing to the Balkans as a precedent.

The EU will have to find a compromise and respect that member states can have different perspectives.

He also noted a sense of a fresh breeze in Hungary after elections brought Peter Magyar to power.

National Pantheon law adopted

On the same day, Ukraine’s parliament adopted a law on a National Pantheon to honour those who fought for a free Ukraine. Polish officials said they hoped figures responsible for crimes against Poles would not be included. The move added another layer to the historical sensitivities straining bilateral ties.