Poland Prime Minister: Political row with Ukraine is a 'strategic mistake'

WARSAW — A political dispute between Poland and Ukraine is a strategic mistake that will harm both countries, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Sunday, as he moved to ease tensions following a renewed disagreement over World War II-era events.

The controversy escalated after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Ukraine’s highest state honor from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The decision prompted several former Ukrainian presidents and senior officials to return their Polish state awards in protest.

Nawrocki’s move followed Zelenskiy’s decision to rename a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, a nationalist group associated with the massacre of Poles during World War II. The decision triggered strong reactions in Poland, where the historical legacy remains highly sensitive.

Tusk, a pro-European leader who returned to the premiership in 2023 after leading a coalition that defeated the nationalist Law and Justice party aligned with Nawrocki, warned that the dispute could have wide-ranging consequences.

“Wading into a conflict between politicians in Poland and Ukraine is a strategic mistake that will harm both sides — business-wise, geopolitically, and reputationally. And in politics, as we know, a mistake is worse than a crime,” Tusk wrote on X.

He added that in discussions with European partners, he has been working to reduce tensions and minimize potential losses, describing the effort as difficult but necessary.

Zelenskiy, in remarks posted on X, emphasized that Ukraine and Poland must remain partners and friends, warning that political escalation could become dangerous.

“Our servicemembers choose a heroic name for their unit themselves, and as president and commander in chief, I must support them,” Zelenskiy said. “Without Ukraine, no one will be able to defend Poland. It is simply impossible.” -Reporting by Anna Koper and Jekaterīna Golubkova; Editing by Barbara Lewis and Edmund Klamann/Reuters