Budanov: Ukraine will not accept ultimatums amid possible aggravation of relations with Poland

The Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that in the near future, aggravation of Ukrainian-Polish relations is possible in connection with the anniversary of the Volyn tragedy, which will be celebrated on July 11. According to him, the Polish side may resort to steps that Kyiv will consider unfriendly, but Ukraine does not intend to react to preemption.

According to the head of the GUR, the most difficult stage in relations between the two states is still ahead, and the historical date may become a catalyst for a new wave of political tension.

“There is less than a week left until July 11. That is when the anniversary of the Volyn tragedy will be celebrated, and we expect that this period may become the peak of tension,” Budanov noted.

At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine will not accept any ultimatums from any state.

“Ukraine will not accept ultimatums from anyone in the world. The last state that tried to give us ultimatums was the Russian Federation. Despite all the difficulties, we did not accept them. Therefore, we should not expect that Ukraine will agree to any other ultimatum demands,” he said.

The head of the GUR emphasized that the Ukrainian side does not plan to take preemptive steps, but in the event of actions that Kyiv will regard as unfriendly or escalating, it will reserve the right to respond accordingly.

“If immature steps are taken, we will respond. But Ukraine is not going to act in advance or create additional tension,” Budanov noted.

He also expressed hope that the current situation will not lead to a long-term conflict between the countries, and after a possible peak of tension, the parties will be able to move on to de-escalation and constructive dialogue.

Recently, Ukrainian-Polish relations have remained tense due to a number of historical and political issues. Among them is the reaction of the Polish side to the decision of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to award one of the military units the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA”, as well as discussions around the creation of the Pantheon of Ukrainian Heroes. Representatives of the Polish authorities have already stated that some decisions of Kyiv may be escalating in nature.