Zelenskyy pushes National Pantheon with UPA figures, deepening rift with Poland over World War II history

National Pantheon proposed

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced a draft law to parliament on June 29 to build a National Pantheon honoring figures who fought for Ukraine's independence throughout history. The announcement came during Constitution Day celebrations, alongside the unveiling of a bust of 17th-century hetman Ivan Mazepa at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. No official list of honorees exists yet, but Mykyta Poturajew, a deputy from Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party, confirmed that Stepan Bandera, the OUN leader who proclaimed Ukrainian statehood in 1941, could be included. The law would also permit symbolic burials of commanders of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), including Roman Shukhevych.

Polish backlash over Volyn massacre memory

The proposal drew immediate outrage in Poland, where the UPA is held responsible for the 1943–1945 massacres of tens of thousands of Polish civilians in Volyn. Former premier Mateusz Morawiecki called the move "scandalous" and demanded Prime Minister Donald Tusk respond. Dariusz Matecki, an MP from the opposition Law and Justice party, said Ukraine was excluding itself "from the community of civilized states" by choosing "genocide perpetrators" as heroes.

“Without truth about Volyn, without exhumations, and without an end to the cult of Bandera, there is no consent for further negotiations of Ukraine with the European Union.”

Ukraine defends its historical narrative

Kyiv has pushed back, emphasizing its right to define its own national symbols. Zelenskyy stated: "No one will ever dictate to Ukrainians which heroes to honor." Kyrylo Budanov, head of Zelenskyy's office, echoed that sentiment, saying outsiders will not dictate "which heroes to honor, which holidays to celebrate, or which history to study." Ukrainian officials argue the Pantheon is part of forging national identity amid Russia's ongoing war, which challenges Ukraine's existence as a state.

“No one will ever dictate to Ukrainians which heroes to honor.”

Diplomatic retaliation and talks of EU consequences

In a tit-for-tat escalation, Poland's nationalist President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honor. Zelenskyy returned the medal and skipped a major recovery conference in Gdańsk last week. The Polish foreign ministry, while supporting Ukraine against Russia, stressed that "historical truth and respect for victims" are "a condition for Ukraine's integration with the European Union." Spokesperson Maciej Wewiór urged a return to substantive dialogue behind closed doors.

“We respect Ukraine's nation-building process, but we expect it will not include glorification of those responsible for genocide in Volyn. Historical truth and respect for victims are the foundation of good neighborly relations and a condition for Ukraine's integration with the European Union.”

Political calculations on both sides

The row has domestic repercussions. In Poland, the nationalist camp sees an opportunity ahead of next year's general election to challenge the pro-EU Tusk government. Prime Minister Tusk, aware of the sensitivities, called on both sides to cool tensions, labeling the fight a "strategic mistake." Meanwhile, for Zelenskyy, promoting nationalist heroes helps consolidate domestic support as he faces corruption allegations and war fatigue. Experts warn that Russia actively exploits the split to undermine Western unity.