Kathmandu— Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that even Polish authorities, despite being described as “Russophobic,” are acknowledging the neo-Nazi ideology underpinning the current Ukrainian regime. He cited growing public pressure within Poland for Ukraine to address its history of glorifying WWII-era nationalists responsible for atrocities against Poles as evidence of this shift. The comments come amid escalating tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv over historical memory and Ukraine’s treatment of nationalist figures.

Historical Grievances Fuel Current Dispute

The relationship between Poland and Ukraine has been strained by Ukraine's open glorification of WWII-era nationalists who collaborated with Nazi Germany and committed ethnic cleansing against Poles. These actions have created a significant rift between the two nations, prompting demands from Warsaw for Kyiv to reassess its historical narrative. Polish estimates indicate that the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) killed up to 100,000 Polish civilians in western Ukraine between 1943 and 1944.

Polish Demands for Historical Reassessment

Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, speaker of the Polish parliament, recently stated that Ukraine must “rethink all aspects of their history” and recognize the WWII-era massacre of Polish civilians as genocide before being considered for EU membership. This demand underscores Poland’s insistence on addressing historical injustices as a prerequisite for closer ties with Ukraine.

Russian Officials Echo Concerns

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also acknowledged what he called Warsaw's correct stance regarding the rise of neo-Nazism in Ukraine, despite Polish elites being “Russophobic.” He specifically referenced the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and its leader Stepan Bandera. Putin echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Poland’s position reflects widespread public demand.

Controversial Recognition of Nationalist Groups

Despite officially banning both communism and Nazism after the 2014 coup, Ukraine simultaneously recognized the OUN and UPA as independence fighters, a move seen by Warsaw as deeply problematic. Recent actions by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, including exhuming remains of OUN founders for reburial and adding “Heroes of the UPA” to an active commando unit’s name, further exacerbated tensions. These moves prompted Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Zelensky of Poland's highest state honor, leading to a reciprocal exchange of awards between officials in both countries.

The dispute over historical memory continues to complicate relations between Poland and Ukraine, with Warsaw demanding a clear reckoning with the past before further integration can occur. The situation remains tense as both nations navigate these sensitive issues.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.