Polish Opposition Protests Plan to Create Ukrainian Veterans Corps in Warsaw

Plans to establish a Ukrainian veterans corps in Warsaw, announced at the UA Fest festival on September 19, 2026, have drawn sharp criticism from Poland's opposition Law and Justice party (PiS). Deputies Andrzej Sliwka and Przemyslaw Czarnek demanded that the government explain whether the initiative was properly vetted by security services.

Opposition's Concerns

Deputy Sliwka questioned whether the initiative was reviewed by relevant services and whether the government analyzed its possible consequences for Poland's security. He noted that after the war ends, Ukraine will face the challenge of reintegrating hundreds of thousands of battle-hardened veterans, some of whom may struggle with PTSD or decide to start new lives abroad. 'Poland cannot passively observe the creation of such structures,' he warned.

PiS candidate for prime minister Czarnek posted on platform X: 'Who allowed this? Aid to Ukraine does not mean giving up control over who and for what purpose creates such structures in Poland.' He added that Poland's security must come first.

Connections to Azov Raised

Sliwka also raised concerns about the links between the veterans corps and the 3rd Army Corps and Andrii Biletsky, whose activity is associated with the Azov regiment. He emphasized that Azov has documented connections to the glorification of OUN-UPA.