In the Polish city of Lublin, the Ukrainian flag, which had been displayed since 2022 as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine, was removed from the city hall building. City authorities stated that this decision was a reaction to the naming of one of the units of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine after the "Heroes of the UPA." This was reported by the Polish publication Wiadomosci, according to UNN.
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The Ukrainian flag flew over the city hall building alongside the flags of Poland, the European Union, and Lublin. According to the publication, city authorities reported that the decision to remove it is related to recent actions by the Ukrainian authorities.
Following the example of other Polish cities, we decided to remove the Ukrainian flag from the Lublin City Hall building. We share the critical position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the Polish Embassy in Kyiv regarding the decision of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
City authorities also emphasized that the glorification of formations which, in their opinion, are responsible for crimes against the civilian population, causes pain to the memory of Polish victims and complicates the dialogue between the parties.
Despite the removal of the flag, city authorities emphasized that they continue to support Ukraine.
We see no contradiction between defending historical truth and solidarity with a nation that has become a victim of unprovoked aggression
Opinions among Lublin residents regarding this step were divided. Some citizens supported the decision, citing their attitude toward the UPA. Others believe that such a step is inappropriate during the war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian flag was placed on the Lublin City Hall building in 2022 by the decision of Mayor Krzysztof Żuk as a sign of support for Ukraine after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.