European Parliament rebukes Zelensky over UPA glorification

Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Getty Images

The European Parliament has formally criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky for naming an elite military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, according to Euronews.

By a majority vote, Members of the European Parliament approved an amendment to a report on Ukraine’s readiness for EU membership, describing the president’s decision as an “unnecessary and unprovoked escalation.”

In the text of the resolution, MEPs expressed regret over what they called “the disregard for Polish sensitivities and grief linked to the UPA’s estimated tens of thousands of victims and their families” killed during the Volhynia massacres. The authors of the document stressed that such decisions “are not in line with European values” and undermine good-neighborly relations with Poland.

“[It is] a very strong signal, it's a warning to Ukrainian authorities not to create bad emotions and not to act against European values,” said Andrzej Halicki following the vote. He added that Kyiv must have respect for common rules if it genuinely wishes to become part of the European Union.

The diplomatic dispute has already had significant repercussions. Polish President Karol Nawrocki reportedly stripped Zelensky of Poland’s highest state distinction, the Order of the White Eagle. In addition, recent opinion polls indicate that 60 percent of Polish citizens now oppose Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.

Earlier, a cleric of the Roman Catholic Church stated that Ukraine must make a spiritual effort and condemn the Volhynia massacres.

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