Statements by Yuri Syrotiuk, a sub-commander of the battalion of unmanned systems of the 5th Independent Armed Forces Brigade of Ukraine, caused a large stir. In a conversation with the Lviv tv NTA, the military addressed sharp words to Poland and Hungary, suggesting that both countries should not exceed, as he said, the "red line" in relations with Ukraine.
The case was referred to in the entry in the site X of the Confederate politician Paweł Usiedek.
Are you ready to fight Ukraine? The Ukrainian military asks you this and advises you not to cross borders in the debate.
History rhymes. Brothers. pic.twitter.com/KbMWYz2cfD
— Paweł Usiećek (@PUsiadek) June 26, 2026
During the interview Syrotiuk asked rhetorically whether Poles were ready for a possible conflict with Ukraine. He besides mentioned the anticipation of Ukrainian drones appearing over Polish cities and victims among civilians. He then stressed that Ukraine did not intend to yield and warned that – in his opinion – it would not escalate tensions.
He went further in his statements on Hungary. He stated that after the end of the war, states supporting Ukraine present should not make any claims against it. He added that many Ukrainian soldiers would come back from the front with serious intellectual problems and suggested that in the case of offensive statements to Ukraine alternatively of diplomats veterans of war might appear, which, as he said, "will end badly".
Yuri Syrotiuk is 50 years old and is simply a recognizable figure of the Ukrainian political scene. From 2012 to 2014, he was a associate of the ultimate Council for the Swoboda Party. Since 2022 he has served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where he uses the nickname “Mamaj”.
Controversial statements fell during a period of clear cooling of the relation between Warsaw and Kiev. Tensions increased after the decision of the Ukrainian authorities to give 1 of the military units the honorary name “UPA Heroes”, which was met with criticism in Poland.
On 19 June, the Chancellery of the president of the Republic of Poland published a speech by president Karol Nawrocki, in which he informed about the removal of Volodymyr Zelensk Order of the White Eagle. The president justified his decision by the fact that UPA remains in the consciousness of the majority of Poles an organization liable for crimes on the citizens of the Second Republic, and referring to its tradition by modern Ukrainian military units has meaning beyond the interior policy of Ukraine.
The decision sparked a broad discussion on both sides of the border. In an interview with Ukrainian media, Volodymyr Zelenski assessed that Karol Nawrocki was exacerbating the dispute with Ukraine for reasons related to the political situation in Poland. The president of Poland dismissed these allegations.
In the following days, any Ukrainian politicians and erstwhile parliamentarians decided to return the Polish honours they had received. At the same time, there is simply a sharp exchange of opinions between Poles and Ukrainians on the past and assessment of the activities of the CNS and UPA. The discussions show highly different interpretations of historical events and work for crimes against civilians.
According to a published poll, most Ukrainian citizens object to taking into account Poland's position in shaping Ukrainian historical policy.
In fresh weeks Volodymyr Zelenski has besides repeatedly criticised the actions of president Karol Nawrocki. His decision not to participate in the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference, held in Gdańsk, besides echoed.
Comment: specified threats should prompt 1 highly simple step: to immediately break all contact with Ukraine. specified words are a threat to all of us. Ukrainian authorities and politicians there, who have had a large influence on the improvement of the situation in their country, have for any time been clearly tightening their relations with the Republic, most likely preparing for... Smart readers know what I mean...
