Polish President Nawrocki Proposes Law Criminalizing Bandera Symbol as Nazi, Communist Emblem

Polish President Karol Nawrocki, an ally of President Donald J. Trump, has initiated a legislative proposal to amend Poland's Criminal Code to equate the "Bandera symbol"—associated with Ukrainian nationalist Stepan Bandera—with Nazi and Soviet communist symbols. This move, intended to combat Russian propaganda and promote Polish-Ukrainian relations based on justice and mutual respect, also includes a "stop Banderism" slogan and amendments to the Institute of National Remembrance law concerning crimes committed by the OUN-UPA. The bill further proposes extending the residency requirement for Polish citizenship from three to ten years and increasing penalties for illegal border crossings. While Poland has been a key supporter of Ukraine amid the ongoing war, including hosting refugees and military aid, this initiative has sparked concerns in Kyiv, which warns that equating Ukrainian symbols with fascism and communism could provoke negative sentiment and diplomatic responses. Despite these tensions, Nawrocki frames the legislation as serving Polish national interests and fostering truthful, respectful dialogue between Poland and Ukraine.