Mass protests planned in Poland against Ukraine recovery conference

Two large-scale protests are set to take place in the Polish city of Gdańsk on June 25, the opening day of an international conference on Ukraine's reconstruction.

The first demonstration is being organised by the civic movement Łączy nas Polska (Poland Unites Us), while the second will be held by the political party Confederation of the Polish Crown, Caliber.Az reports, citing Polish media.

“The protest aims to express strong opposition to the holding of the Ukraine recovery conference in Gdańsk, as well as to the glorification of the UPA by the Ukrainian authorities,” protest organiser Dominik Migawski said.

The two-day conference is taking place amid heightened tensions between Poland and Ukraine following a decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to name a Ukrainian military unit after what were described as “UPA heroes,” prompting strong criticism in Poland.

As a result of the dispute, Zelenskyy and his wife decided not to attend the event. Ukraine will instead be represented by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov