Lauge Risom Koch 
A senior Russian senator has claimed that recent tensions between Poland and Ukraine over the legacy of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army strengthen Moscow’s arguments about Ukrainian nationalism.
A senior Russian lawmaker has argued that recent tensions between Poland and Ukraine over historical issues are reinforcing Moscow’s accusations regarding the glorification of controversial nationalist movements in Ukraine.
The comments come amid a dispute linked to Ukrainian references to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a highly sensitive topic in Polish-Ukrainian relations.
Pushkov’s claims
According to TASS, Alexey Pushkov, head of the Russian Federation Council’s Commission on Information Policy, said disagreements between Warsaw and Kyiv are providing what he described as additional evidence for Russia’s claims about neo-Nazism in Ukraine.
“Russia’s accusations of neo-Nazism against Ukraine are gaining new evidentiary support, while our arguments are attracting new supporters,” Pushkov wrote on Telegram, according to TASS.
His remarks reflect a longstanding narrative promoted by Russian officials since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Historical dispute
Pushkov’s comments followed reports of a disagreement over Ukrainian recognition of the UPA, a nationalist military organization that operated during and after World War II.
The group’s legacy remains deeply controversial. While some Ukrainians view its members as fighters for national independence, critics point to collaboration by some factions with Nazi Germany and involvement in atrocities against civilians.
According to TASS, Pushkov argued that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky risks damaging relations with European partners by publicly honoring figures associated with the UPA.
Tensions with Poland
The dispute intensified after Polish President Karol Nawrocki reportedly decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state honor, previously awarded to Zelensky.
According to TASS, the decision was linked to Kyiv’s move to name a Ukrainian military unit after individuals regarded as UPA heroes.
Neither the Polish nor Ukrainian governments immediately commented on Pushkov’s characterization of the dispute.
Sources: TASS
