Poland revokes top honor for Zelensky over UPA unit naming

Poland has rescinded its highest national decoration, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The decision, announced by Polish President Karol Nawrocki, follows Zelensky's move to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).

Poland considers the UPA responsible for the brutal massacre of approximately 100,000 Polish civilians in what is now western Ukraine during World War II. Warsaw views these killings as genocide. "For the vast majority of Polish society, the UPA remains primarily a formation responsible for brutal crimes committed against citizens of the Republic of Poland during World War II," Nawrocki stated in a speech.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sibiga, condemned Poland's decision as a "strategic mistake" and "disrespectful." He argued that such actions only benefit Moscow and called the Polish president's decision "imprudent."

“

For the vast majority of Polish society, the UPA remains primarily a formation responsible for brutal crimes committed against citizens of the Republic of Poland during World War II.

The UPA was the military wing of a Ukrainian independence movement. While it fought the Soviet army, it also clashed with Polish resistance forces and killed Polish and Jewish civilians. The UPA's relationship with the Nazis was complex, involving occasional collaboration and later opposition.

In Ukraine, the UPA is often honored as a force that fought for the country's independence, particularly since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Poland, however, hosts nearly one million Ukrainian refugees, according to Eurostat. A recent poll indicated that 65% of Poles believe Zelensky's decision negatively impacts their perception of bilateral relations.

“

Only Moscow benefits from this 'imprudent' decision by the Polish president.