Ukraine President Zelensky Returns Poland's Highest Honour After UPA Unit Renaming
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has announced the return of Poland's highest decoration, the Order of the White Eagle, following its revocation by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The award was originally presented to Zelensky in 2023 by then-President Andrzej Duda.
The dispute stems from Kyiv's recent decision to rename a Ukrainian army unit in honour of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This historical entity, active in the 1940s and 1950s, is revered by many in Ukraine as a force that fought for independence against the Soviet Red Army, Nazi Germany, and Polish authorities. Its red and black flag is reportedly utilised by Ukrainian forces on contemporary front lines.
However, Poland accuses the UPA of perpetrating a genocide against approximately 100,000 ethnic Poles in Volhynia between 1943 and 1945. Three senior Ukrainian officials have also confirmed they are returning Polish honours in solidarity with President Zelensky.
In a public statement, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's openness to dialogue with Poland to navigate "conflicting interpretations of the difficult and painful chapters of our shared past," whilst expressing gratitude for Poland's continued support and co-operation.
President Nawrocki condemned Ukraine's naming decision as "outrageous," "incomprehensible," and "deeply disappointing." He stated that for the majority of Polish society, the UPA is primarily associated with "brutal crimes committed against citizens of the Republic of Poland during World War Two." Nawrocki asserted that this action undermines trust, yet affirmed that Poland's backing for Ukraine against Russia would remain steadfast.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented that any disagreement between the two nations would "delight" Russia's Vladimir Putin, urging both Zelensky and Nawrocki to "calm emotions, not to stoke tensions." Poland has been a crucial ally for Ukraine, facilitating aid and accommodating hundreds of thousands of refugees since the Russian invasion.
