Lviv Administrator Writes to Silesia: 2027 UPA Year Measure Not Yet Signed

Maksym Kozytskyi, the head of the Lviv Oblast Military Administration, sent a letter to Wojciech Saługa, the Marshal of Poland's Silesian Voivodeship. The communication addressed a specific dispute regarding a recent local legislative move. Kozytskyi confirmed that the resolution declaring 2027 the Year of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army has not been signed. Consequently, the measure is not currently in force.

The Polish Press Agency disclosed the contents of the letter, citing the Chancellery of the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship. The Ukrainian Insurgent Army was a nationalist paramilitary group that fought for independence during and after World War II. Their primary adversaries were Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The letter serves as a direct response to a previous message sent by Saługa.

In the correspondence, Kozytskyi stated, "I would like to inform you that the resolution of the Lviv Oblast Council referred to in your letter has not yet been signed and has not come into force." He emphasized his conviction that decisions made by authorities at all levels must align with Ukraine's foreign policy interests. He also stressed the importance of maintaining good neighborly relations with the Republic of Poland.

The Lviv administrator acknowledged the sensitivity of historical remembrance for both nations. Kozytskyi suggested that such topics should be discussed with mutual respect and openness. He highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two regions. The letter thanked the Silesian Voivodeship for its support of Ukraine and for sheltering residents of Lviv Oblast and other Ukrainian citizens who sought refuge in Poland during Russia's aggression.

This diplomatic exchange follows a decision made on October 20, 2026. On that date, the Lviv Oblast Council voted to designate 2027 as the Year of the UPA. The council also designated it the year of two commanders-in-chief, Roman Shukhevych and Oleh Olzhych. Polish officials reacted to the vote with immediate criticism.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk later commented on the situation. He noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had indicated he would not support further steps by the Lviv Oblast Council toward declaring 2027 the year of the UPA and Roman Shukhevych. Separately, Łukasz Gibała, the new mayor of Kraków, proposed suspending the city's partnership with Lviv in response to the council's decision.