Polish PM Donald Tusk announced a national memorial for victims of WWII 'genocide by Ukrainian nationalists'. The move escalates a historical dispute with Ukraine, which views the UPA as independence fighters. Ukraine calls the decision a 'strategic mistake' amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi urged strengthening defence capabilities, revisiting the nation's pacifist stance post-WWII. He highlighted increased spending, relaxed export rules for defence equipment, and the need to adapt to a changing security environment driven by China and North Korea.
Poland is considering revoking President Zelensky's highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, after Ukraine named a military unit after the controversial Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA is accused of genocide against Poles in Volhynia during WWII, causing outrage in Poland and threatening diplomatic relations.
Russia has announced it will scale back this year's Victory Day parade on May 9 due to what the Kremlin calls a terrorist threat from Ukraine. The military parade will exclude military vehicles and cadets for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that all measures are being taken to minimise danger, while Ukraine maintains it targets only legitimate military facilities.
