WIADOMOŚCI

Ukrainian deputy pushes for historic Ukrainian names of Polish cities

Analiza

Ukrainian MP Ihor Huź, member of the "Za Przyszłość" parliamentary group, has formally requested that Ukrainian institutions adopt the historic Ukrainian exonyms for several Polish towns, such as Peremyszl for Przemyśl and Holm for Chełm. He argues that Ukrainians have the same right to use their traditional names as Poles do for cities now located in Ukraine, like Lwów, Łuck and Równe. The proposal was sent to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of National Memory and bodies responsible for language, cartography and administration, but it does not call for any administrative renaming in Poland or replacement of road signs. The idea has sparked debate in Polish media, with outlets like Onet, Fakt and Kresy.pl highlighting the controversy and framing it as a challenge to bilateral goodwill. The demand reflects a broader post‑2022 trend of revisiting historical memory and minority language rights in the region. It also taps into long‑standing discussions about the legacy of the former Polish‑Ukrainian borderlands and the role of exonyms in diplomatic discourse.

Kontekst i Tło

If adopted, the Ukrainian exonyms could become standard in official Ukrainian publications, maps and educational materials, subtly reshaping public perception of Polish geography. While the move does not alter legal names in Poland, it may fuel nationalist rhetoric on both sides, complicating cultural diplomacy and joint projects funded by the EU. Polish officials are likely to view the request as symbolic pressure, potentially prompting a diplomatic response to reaffirm respect for Poland's sovereignty over its toponyms. The episode underscores the sensitivity of historical narratives in the wake of the 2022 war, where language has become a tool of soft power. In the longer term, such linguistic assertions could influence minority language policies within the EU, prompting a review of how exonyms are treated in cross‑border contexts.

Komentarz Redakcji

InfoHub notes the paradox of demanding linguistic sovereignty while respecting existing borders – a diplomatic tightrope that risks turning scholarly exonyms into political flashpoints.