A diplomatic dispute between Ukraine and Poland, triggered by the use of a name associated with a Nazi-era military unit, has escalated to the point where British mediators have been called in to broker a resolution. President Volodymyr Zelensky is under increasing pressure from Western allies to defuse the row, which threatens to undermine the fragile unity between two nations critical to the defence of Eastern Europe against Russian aggression.
The controversy centres on the Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade, which has adopted the name and insignia of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a unit composed of Ukrainian volunteers that fought alongside Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The division, often referred to as the SS Galizien, was condemned by both the Soviet Union and post-war international tribunals for its involvement in atrocities, including the massacre of Polish civilians in the village of Huta Pieniacka in 1944.
For Poland, the name is a direct provocation. Warsaw has long insisted that any commemoration of the SS Galizien is a whitewashing of history and a betrayal of the memory of Polish victims of Nazi occupation. Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, described the brigade’s choice as “unacceptable” and warned of consequences for bilateral relations if Kyiv did not act.
Ukraine has defended the brigade, arguing that its modern soldiers are not responsible for the actions of their predecessors and that the unit has been reformed as a professional combat force in line with NATO standards. The brigade has fought effectively against Russian forces in the Donbas and is seen by the Ukrainian military as a symbol of national resistance. However, the optics of using an SS-associated symbol are deeply problematic for Ukraine’s international image, particularly among its key backers in the European Union and NATO.
British mediation efforts, led by the Foreign Office, are aimed at finding a compromise that satisfies Poland’s demand for a name change while allowing Ukraine to save face. Sources in London indicate that British diplomats have proposed a phased removal of the divisional insignia, coupled with a new naming convention that honours Ukrainian military traditions without referencing the Nazi era. The UK has a vested interest in long-term stability between two of its most important security partners in Europe, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The row has broader implications. Poland has been one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters since the Russian invasion, providing military aid, hosting millions of refugees, and pressing for Ukraine’s swift NATO membership. Any deterioration in relations could embolden Russia and undermine the Western consensus that has sustained a united front against Moscow. A Polish diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned: “This is not about historical nitpicking. It is about whether Ukraine is ready to act as a responsible European partner.”
President Zelensky has so far declined to intervene directly, but the growing chorus of criticism from allies suggests that he cannot afford to let the issue fester. A senior Ukrainian official acknowledged that the government was considering a review of the brigade’s naming policy, but emphasised that any decision would be made in consultation with military commanders.
For the United Kingdom, the mediating role is an opportunity to demonstrate diplomatic leadership at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. But the success of the talks will depend on whether both sides are willing to prioritise the strategic partnership over historical grievances. As one British official put it: “We need all friends of the free world pulling in the same direction. This is a distraction we cannot afford.”
