The authorities of the Polish city of Lublin removed the Ukrainian flag that had been on the town hall since 2022. The reason was the decision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to award an honorary title mentioning the UPA to one of the units of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces.
A new discussion has erupted in the Polish city of Lublin around one of the most sensitive topics in Polish-Ukrainian relations — the assessment of the activities of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
The city authorities decided to remove the Ukrainian flag from the town hall, where it had been since the beginning of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine.
Since 2022, the Ukrainian flag had flown alongside the flags of Poland and the European Union as a symbol of support for the Ukrainian people. However, it was taken down on the night from Friday to Saturday.
The reason was the decision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to award the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA" to the Independent Center for Special Operations "North" of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine. This step provoked a sharp reaction in Poland.
While in Ukraine the UPA is viewed as part of the independence movement, in Polish society the organization is primarily associated with the Volhynian tragedy — the mass killings of Polish civilians during World War II.
In a statement, the Lublin city hall emphasized that glorifying formations that are considered responsible for crimes against civilians in Poland is perceived as an insult to the memory of the victims and complicates dialogue between the two countries. At the same time, the city authorities specifically noted that this decision does not mean a withdrawal of support for Ukraine.
What is important to know: Lublin remains one of the main Polish cities providing assistance to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, it has become an important logistical, humanitarian, and transport center for Ukrainian refugees and international aid. The city hall's statement says that the city remains open and welcoming, but expects respect for the historical memory of the Polish people.
The reaction at the national level has also caused a stir. Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that he intends to seek the deprivation of Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland's highest state award — the Order of the White Eagle.
The debate over the historical assessment of the UPA remains one of the most complex issues in Polish-Ukrainian relations, even against the backdrop of close cooperation between the two countries since the onset of Russian aggression against Ukraine. According to various estimates, between 60,000 and 100,000 ethnic Poles were killed during the Volhynian tragedy from 1943 to 1945. In subsequent retaliatory actions and armed clashes, thousands of Ukrainians also became victims.
Historical disagreements have repeatedly caused tension between Warsaw and Kyiv, but the current case shows that this topic continues to influence relations between the countries today.
