European Parliament Condemns Ukraine Over UPA Military Unit Naming

The European Parliament condemned Ukraine on Wednesday for naming an elite military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The legislative body stated the decision disregards Polish "sensitivities and grief" because of crimes the UPA committed against Poles during World War II.

The diplomatic tension began in late May when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy granted the unit the name "Heroes of the UPA." In response to the move, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, which is the highest honor in Poland.

The European Parliament noted that the naming decision undermines neighborly relations between the two nations. The body called for de-escalation and urged both parties to make renewed efforts in good faith toward reconciliation.