Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that the government will seek to limit the consequences of the recent diplomatic crisis between Poland and Ukraine. The dispute was triggered by the Ukrainian side’s decision to name one of its Armed Forces units after the “Heroes of the UPA,” followed by an exchange of gestures involving the Order of the White Eagle.
President Karol Nawrocki decided to revoke the decoration previously awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In response, the Ukrainian side returned the honour to Poland. Donald Tusk said the government should focus on reducing the political and social costs of the situation rather than escalating tensions further.
“I understand the public sentiment, but given Poland’s strategic security interests, I will not contribute to fuelling these tensions. Poland’s long-term interest lies in building relations with Ukraine based on a vision of the future,” the Prime Minister said.
History remains a difficult issue
Disputes over historical memory, including the Volhynia massacres, the activities of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), and the commemoration of historical figures and formations, have for years been among the most difficult issues in Polish-Ukrainian relations. They are particularly emotional for the families of victims, veterans’ organisations and many Poles who expect a clear stance and full commemoration of those who suffered.
At the same time, the government stresses that policy towards Ukraine cannot be conducted solely through the lens of historical disputes. Poland remains one of the key countries supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, and the security of both countries is closely interconnected.
For Warsaw, a stable, independent and capable Ukraine means reducing the threat posed by Russia on NATO’s eastern border. From this perspective, relations with Kyiv are important not only politically, but also militarily, economically and socially.
Prime Minister: politicians should not play on emotions
Donald Tusk noted that political groups on both sides of the border may seek to use historical conflicts and public frustration to build support. In his view, such a mechanism deepens divisions and weakens both countries’ ability to cooperate on the most important issues.
The Prime Minister referred to the words of Władysław Bartoszewski, who said that it is worth being decent even when it is not always profitable. In the context of Polish-Ukrainian relations, this means combining respect for historical memory with responsibility for the future.
“When it comes to Polish-Ukrainian issues, both sides should understand that it is worth being decent,” the head of government said.
Economic cooperation is expected to continue despite tensions
The Prime Minister stressed that the current dispute should not halt economic relations. The Ukraine Recovery Conference is due to begin in Gdańsk on Thursday. According to government announcements, around 200 agreements and contracts between Polish and Ukrainian companies have been prepared.
Ukraine’s reconstruction after the end of the war could become one of Europe’s largest economic projects in the coming decades. It will involve not only rebuilding housing, roads, railways and energy networks, but also developing industry, digitalisation, logistics, healthcare and the defence sector.
For Polish companies, this could mean access to a major market for construction, transport, technology, financial and advisory services. The government hopes that Poland’s geographic location, regional expertise and experience in supporting Ukraine will enable Polish businesses to play an important role in the process.
“We are talking about hundreds of billions of dollars. These will also be funds that Polish companies can spend in Ukraine after the war ends,” Donald Tusk stressed.
For the government, the key objective is therefore to separate current political emotions from long-term security and economic interests. Warsaw says it will seek dialogue with Kyiv while continuing to expect respect for Poland’s historical memory.
