Poland revokes top honor for Zelenskyy amid escalating dispute

A significant diplomatic rift has emerged between Poland and Ukraine, escalating after Polish President Andrzej Duda revoked the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honor, which had been awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The controversy stems from Zelenskyy's decision to rename a unit of the Ukrainian armed forces to "Heroes of the UPA." The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) fought for Ukraine's independence from 1942 to the 1950s and is viewed in Ukraine primarily as a symbol of resistance against Soviet rule.

However, the UPA's legacy is deeply contentious in Poland. During World War II, the UPA was responsible for the massacre of tens of thousands of Polish civilians, sometimes with the support of Nazi Germany. Consequently, the UPA is primarily associated with war crimes against the Polish population, and Zelenskyy's decision ignited widespread outrage, particularly within Poland's national-conservative circles.

In response to Duda's revocation, Zelenskyy shared an image on social media showing the Order of the White Eagle being returned via a package from Nova Poshta, a successful Ukrainian logistics company. This action highlights the deepening tensions between the two allied nations. The dispute benefits Moscow, as it potentially weakens the united front against Russian aggression.

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Yesterday, the President of Poland noted that the Order of the White Eagle is not an ordinary award. It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland. It signifies a special bond with the Polish state and the special gratitude of the Polish People.