Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki recently proposed changes to the country’s citizenship law that would explicitly reject the ideology of Stepan Bandera, a Ukrainian nationalist leader associated with Nazi collaboration during World War II. The proposal aims to address historical grievances over wartime atrocities committed by Bandera’s followers, which have strained relations between Poland and Ukraine for decades. Nawrocki emphasized that the legal reforms should promote truth and equality, reflecting Poland’s stance against the glorification of Nazi collaborators.
During a press conference, Nawrocki outlined his plans for amendments, stating that the law should include the slogan "stop Banderism," referring to the ideology of Nazi collaborator Stepan Bandera. He argued that these changes are necessary to combat Russian propaganda and to ensure that Ukrainian citizens living in Poland are treated equally and responsibly. The president also criticized the current Ukrainian education system for misrepresenting Bandera and his followers, labeling them as "murderers" responsible for the deaths of approximately 120,000 Poles.
Nawrocki’s proposals have been part of a broader effort to address what he sees as a deeply flawed narrative in Ukrainian history. The president previously called for the deportation of Ukrainian nationalists after an incident at Warsaw’s National Stadium, where some 60 people were removed for hoisting the flag of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), the armed wing of Bandera’s movement. The president’s actions reflect a commitment to protecting Poland’s national identity and historical memory, while also seeking to improve diplomatic ties with Ukraine based on mutual respect and acknowledgment of the past.
His recent press conference also served to explain his veto of three bills, including one regulating social support for Ukrainian nationals residing in Poland under special protection status. The changes he proposes aim to create a more equitable and truthful legal framework, ensuring that the legacy of World War II atrocities is not whitewashed or glorified. Nawrocki’s stance highlights the ongoing struggle between historical truth and political narratives, as Poland seeks to define its relationship with Ukraine in light of shared but contested histories.