Poland condemns Zelensky’s initiative to create a National Pantheon of Heroes

Warsaw has characterized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s bill on the creation of a Ukrainian National Pantheon of Heroes as another step toward political escalation in bilateral relations.

This was stated by Polish presidential spokesman Rafał Leśkiewicz on Radio Jedność.

Leśkiewicz linked Kyiv’s new initiative to the previous decision to name a Special Operations Forces unit after “Heroes of the UPA.” According to him, Warsaw views this as a sequence of steps that Poland assesses critically.

The Polish spokesman also stated that such actions allegedly confirm the correctness of Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle. According to Leśkiewicz, some Polish politicians consider the Polish president’s firm stance toward Ukraine to be justified. He also commented on the internal debate in Poland, expressing support for the course of protecting national interests.

What the pantheon bill provides for

Volodymyr Zelensky submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill “On the Ukrainian National Pantheon.” The document provides for the creation of a symbolic space to honor people who have had an influence on the history of Ukraine. The president noted that the pantheon should bring together the names of figures from different eras who fought for the country and shaped its identity.

Zelensky separately emphasized that Ukraine will independently determine whom to honor, without outside influence. Head of the President’s Office Kyrylo Budanov also stated that Ukraine will not accept external directives regarding historical policy and memory.

Although the Ukrainian statements contained no direct mention of Poland, they triggered a wave of criticism in Polish media and social networks. Some commentators linked them to the topic of the UPA and the events of the Volhynia tragedy.

On July 1, the Verkhovna Rada approved the creation in Kyiv of a Ukrainian National Pantheon to honor outstanding representatives of the Ukrainian nation, including, in particular, the leadership of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.