Instrumentalising Volyn to label Ukraine “neo-Nazi”

What it claims

Commemorations of figures and formations associated with the OUN-UPA are presented as proof that present-day Ukraine is a “neo-Nazi” state and a threat to Poland. Historical figures and symbols are reduced to a claim of Ukrainians’ unchanging “cruelty”. From this, the messaging concludes that cooperation between Warsaw and Kyiv was a mistake. Polish-Ukrainian relations are stretched into a frame in which Ukraine is portrayed as Poland’s enemy.

Target audience

Examples (paraphrased)

We paraphrase rather than quote: propaganda's exact wording is built to spread, so we carry the claim and not the craft. Each example cites the post it came from.

• Kyiv presents OUN-UPA figures linked to the Third Reich as heroes, and their project includes land in south-eastern Poland.

  Myśl Polska, 1 Oct 2026 · Archived copy

• Cooperation with Ukraine harms Poland because present-day Ukraine continues the OUN-UPA’s “neo-Nazi” policy.

  UKR LEAKS (Polish), 9 Oct 2026 · Archived copy

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Goal

To deepen distrust of Ukraine among Poles, particularly in nationalist and patriotic circles, and increase support for ending cooperation with it.

Techniques used

• Appeal to Fear / PrejudiceCommemorations associated with the OUN-UPA are presented as a direct warning of danger to Poland.
• Causal OversimplificationAttitudes towards OUN-UPA figures are reduced to a conclusion that all of present-day Ukraine is hostile to Poland.

The real grievance it exploits

The narrative exploits Polish historical grief connected with Volyn and concerns about commemorating figures and formations associated with the OUN-UPA.

How to counter

• Technique exposure: Equating a present-day state with historical figures and symbols proves neither the character of an entire society nor the existence of a current threat. Check separately what was commemorated, by whom and in what context.
• Reframe: Memory of Volyn deserves accuracy and respect for the victims. It does not require generalisations about millions of people or the automatic conversion of every historical dispute into proof that present-day Ukraine is hostile.

Sources (all time)

• UKR LEAKS (Polish)Tier 35,269 subscribers
  1 post · 9 Oct 2026

  • 9 Oct · Archived copy
• Myśl PolskaTier 3
  1 post · 1 Oct 2026

  • 1 Oct · Archived copy