Warsaw: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday called on Ukraine to address a dispute over the legacy of a wartime nationalist movement, saying the issue had created a 'crisis of trust' between the two countries. Tusk emphasized the importance of resolving this historical disagreement to prevent future relations from being governed solely by pragmatic considerations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tusk told reporters, "I have suggested to the Ukrainians that they treat this evident crisis of trust seriously." He acknowledged Ukraine's desire to honor those who resisted Soviet rule but questioned the recognition of figures linked to the contentious historical issue. Tusk stated, "They caused this problem, let them find a solution."

While reiterating Poland's support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, Tusk urged Kyiv to address the concerns seriously. He warned that failure to do so would mean that bilateral relations could become based on 'hard business' rather than understanding and empathy.

These remarks came during a meeting between Polish and Ukrainian officials in Warsaw, where the historical dispute was one of the key topics discussed.