Lviv controversy prompts Lublin mayor call

11 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The Lviv controversy over honoring UPA figures spurred a PiS MP to call on Lublin’s mayor to respond, raising Polish-Ukrainian tensions.

Lead: The Lviv controversy erupted after a regional culture commission in Lviv proposed declaring 2027 the year to honour the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and its leaders. Consequently, PiS MP Michał Moskal publicly urged Lublin’s mayor to take a stance. The move has strained local ties and reopened painful historical debates.

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Lviv controversy: what was proposed and why it matters

The Lviv regional culture commission suggested celebrating figures linked to the UPA in 2027. However, Polish historians link those figures to mass killings of Poles and Jews in 1943. Therefore, many Poles view the proposal as an insult to victims of the Volhynia massacres. Moreover, the proposal came at a time of heightened sensitivity after Kyiv named a military unit after UPA heroes.

Polish reaction and the Lublin–Lviv partnership

MP Michał Moskal criticized the move at a press conference in Lublin. He said that Lviv, as Lublin’s partner city, crosses a line. Consequently, he asked Mayor Krzysztof Żuk to speak out. However, Lublin city hall replied with a different tone. The spokesperson, Justyna Góźdź, emphasised respect for victims and responsible conversation. In addition, she noted that the culture commission’s proposal does not equal a final regional council decision. The city confirmed it will continue legal, formal twin-city work. Therefore, joint projects and municipal cooperation should continue.

Historical background and regional tensions

The UPA remains one of the most contested chapters in Polish–Ukrainian memory politics. Polish scholars estimate that coordinated attacks in July 1943 killed thousands of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia. As a result, Polish public debate often calls these events a genocide. Conversely, some Ukrainians view UPA actions through the lens of anti-Soviet struggle. Consequently, historical interpretation feeds modern politics. Moreover, the recent exchange of state orders and returns between Poland and Ukrainian figures has amplified tensions. Therefore, historians and diplomats now urge careful dialogue.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, avoid public rows and check local events before attending. Municipal partnerships, like Lublin–Lviv ties, usually concern culture projects and administrative cooperation (they do not affect your ZUS pension payments or NFZ health insurance). PESEL is your national ID number if you register as a resident; keep it safe. In addition, remember that debates on history rarely change everyday services, but they can cause demonstrations near city halls and consulates, so plan travel and appointments accordingly.

Diplomacy and next steps

Polish city hall said it prefers that politicians address Kyiv or regional Ukrainian bodies. Moreover, Lublin urged that ordinary Ukrainian residents of Poland should not face blame. Consequently, the city promoted memory work and reconciliation. In addition, recent talks between presidents and foreign ministers show both sides want to manage disputes. However, leaders admitted they have not resolved historical disagreements. Therefore, they pledged to continue dialogue.

What this means for foreigners

If you are an expat, watch local news and avoid protests. Moreover, use official city channels for event alerts. In addition, know your administrative rights and contacts. For example, ZUS handles pensions and social security, while NFZ manages public health coverage. Finally, treat heated historical discussions as part of politics, not personal risk.

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