Why are Poland and Ukraine at odds about their history?

Tensions between Poland and Ukraine have been exacerbated by a recent decision from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to designate a military unit using the name of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. This historical group is a source of significant friction, as it was responsible for the systematic killing of Polish civilians during the Second World War. While the organization sought Ukrainian independence, its temporary collaboration with Nazi forces remains a deeply painful chapter for the Polish public. Warsaw views the glorification of this group as an affront to the memory of the victims of those wartime atrocities. Consequently, this naming choice has created a diplomatic rift between the two nations, complicating their otherwise strong partnership in the face of ongoing regional security threats.

The dispute highlights how unresolved historical grievances and nationalist narratives can strain critical geopolitical alliances even during times of shared crisis.