Poland Considers Revoking Zelenskyy's Top Honor Over UPA Naming Controversy

A diplomatic rift has emerged between Poland and Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to approve the naming of a Ukrainian special forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This move has drawn strong criticism in Warsaw, with Polish President Andrzej Duda suggesting the potential revocation of Ukraine's highest state honor awarded to Zelenskyy.

“

The glorification of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army provides material for Russian propaganda.

In 2023, Duda bestowed the Order of the White Eagle upon Zelenskyy, recognizing Ukraine's strong support in its war against Russia. However, the recent decision regarding the UPA has reignited historical sensitivities. President Nawrocki stated that glorifying the UPA provides material for Russian propaganda, emphasizing that while supporting Ukraine against Russia remains a strategic Polish objective, actions that harm historical memory cannot be ignored.

The Order of the White Eagle Chapter is scheduled to meet on June 8th, and Nawrocki has proposed adding the issue of revoking Zelenskyy's award to its agenda. He noted that specific official mechanisms must be followed before a final decision is made.

“

Actions that harm historical memory cannot be ignored.

The UPA is a contentious historical entity. While some Ukrainians view it as a symbol of resistance against the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany and a fight for independence from Moscow, Poland associates the organization with the brutal Volhynia massacres of 1943-1945. Poland estimates that around 100,000 Poles were killed by Ukrainian nationalists during this period, with thousands of Ukrainians also perishing in retaliatory attacks.

“

It is regrettable that the negative reaction in Poland has occurred. Ukraine does not want to offend Warsaw.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi expressed regret over the negative reaction in Poland, stating that Ukraine does not wish to offend Warsaw. He reiterated that historical disputes between Ukrainians and Poles only benefit Moscow. The Ukrainian side maintains that the unit's name symbolizes resistance against Moscow's imperial policies for Ukrainian soldiers. Poland's Foreign Ministry echoed the criticism, stating the decision "wounded the memory of the victims of that organization" and harmed dialogue between the two nations, highlighting a recurring historical tension amidst ongoing solidarity.

“

History shows that only Moscow benefits from disagreements between Ukrainians and Poles.