Old Wounds and New Laws: Poland’s Rifts with Ukraine Resurface

Poland and Ukraine Struggle Over History and Symbols

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has introduced proposals aimed at limiting benefits for Ukrainian refugees while also banning public use of symbols connected to Stepan Bandera, a controversial nationalist figure in Ukraine’s history. The move has created tension between Warsaw and Kyiv at a time when both countries are still dealing with the legacy of World War II and the Volhynia massacres.

Under Nawrocki’s plan, access to child benefits and certain healthcare would be restricted to Ukrainian refugees unless they are employed in Poland. At the same time, his government seeks to outlaw Banderite emblems, which many Poles associate with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army responsible for wartime atrocities. In Ukraine, however, these same emblems are often linked to national resistance against Soviet domination, showing how symbols can carry very different meanings depending on the perspective.

Earlier this year, Polish and Ukrainian leaders reached a limited agreement that allowed for joint exhumations of mass burial sites tied to the Volhynia killings. Tens of thousands of Poles were killed by Ukrainian nationalist forces in the 1940s, while Ukrainians also suffered reprisals. The agreement was considered a step forward in acknowledging the pain of the past and was welcomed by both sides as a chance to ease long-standing distrust.

Despite progress on exhumations, the debate continues to affect modern politics. Nawrocki, a historian with ties to conservative groups, has linked Ukraine’s future in the European Union and NATO to settling these historical disputes. His critics argue that such conditions could slow cooperation and weaken the united front needed to respond to wider security challenges in Europe. Supporters, however, believe his stance ensures that Poland’s national memory and dignity are respected.

The history behind these tensions is deep. Between 1943 and 1945, nationalist militias carried out attacks in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia, killing tens of thousands of Polish civilians. Historians disagree on whether to classify the events as genocide, though in Poland many see it as one of the darkest chapters of the war. Ukraine continues to debate how to reconcile its view of Bandera and his followers as anti-Soviet fighters with the record of violence against civilians.

These disputes show how history can shape present-day policy. They also highlight the difficulty of balancing remembrance and justice with cooperation and unity. Poland’s new proposals may strengthen its national position, but they could also add new strain to an already complex relationship with Ukraine.

Sources

Reuters – Polish president proposes restricting state benefits for Ukrainians: https://www.reuters.com/world/polish-president-proposes-restricting-state-benefits-ukrainians-2025-08-25/

The Guardian – Poland hails breakthrough with Ukraine over second world war Volhynia atrocity: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/16/poland-hails-breakthrough-with-ukraine-over-second-world-war-volhynia-atrocity

Washington Post – Poland's new president is positioned to make history - or rewrite it: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/06/poland-president-karol-nawrocki-tusk/

Wikipedia – Massacres of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacres_of_Poles_in_Volhynia_and_Eastern_Galicia

Al Jazeera – Genocide or tragedy? Ukraine and Poland at odds over Volyn massacre of 1943: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/7/19/genocide-or-tragedy-ukraine-poland-at-odds-over-volyn-massacre-of-1943

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