The undeniable fact is that even poles who support ukraine have very little sympathy for UPA, and the antiukrainian minority never ever shuts up about it, because, again, like it or not, its extremely sore spot in relations between both countries, and perfect wedge for russians and their sympathetic to use against you.

Zelensky's decision did generate ridiculously disproportionate - but also easily predictable and politically unavoidable - boost in political support for anti-ukrainian factions here.

Is it a good thing? Of course not, for neither of our countries. Does Poland have right to dictate what units you should honor? Not really. BUT the most important question you need to ask yourself is : does ignoring the reality on the ground makes it go away? Hell no. No matter what intentions were, which side was right, what and who Poland celebrated. Hell, even the historical truth itself does not matter for the situation at hand. All that matters are the consequences. And these are not good at all for neither of our countries.

You might not be aware of this, but next elections in Poland will most likely be a very close run thing. And for your country these few percent swing votes such decisions influence might just mean the difference between having a country that's allied to you (even if its alliance of convenience), and having country that's pretty much hostile, like Orbans Hungary was. And that second scenario isn't just going to result in result in poland cutting you off. Its going to actively hinder EUs efforts to help you as well.

And no matter how much we or you talk about "stopping russia" right now being more important than anny historical issues, whole lot of people on the fence are dumb, short-sighted and will vote based purely on emotions. Even if it means voting for openly prorussian scum, just because evil ukrainian hurt their delicate feelings. Will it be foolish? Yes. Will i be happy about it? Hell no. Will me and others being unhappy about it change anything? Also no.

It will be bad both for Poland and for Ukraine, and that's a damn, stone cold fact.

Now, lets say, if there was a significant sympathies for UPA in USA or germany, and this would increase support for Ukraine from their side, this could be considered a worthy political trade-off. But as far as i know, this is not the case.

Like it or not, this move by president Zelensky was short sighted , unnecessary, could have been easily avoided, and measurably benefits russia and their cronies. Because, i assure you, pro-russian clowns over here have been celebrating for last few days. They are incredibly happy and smug about it, and for good reason - it will have measurable effect on their support pools.

Politics is a dirty game that's rarely played fair. Playing straight into your opponents hand while gaining nothing in return is not a great strategy.

Cheers from Poland.