Poland Revokes Top Honor from Zelensky Over WWII Unit Name Dispute

Poland has rescinded its highest state decoration, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The move follows Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), an organization that Poland holds responsible for the massacre of tens of thousands of Polish civilians during World War II. Poland considers these killings a genocide.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced the withdrawal of the award, stating, "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." He made these remarks in a speech disseminated on the social platform X.

“

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.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sibiga, condemned Poland's decision as a "strategic mistake" and "disrespectful." He argued that "only Moscow benefits" from the Polish president's "imprudent" action. Sibiga expressed regret that instead of seeking solutions, the Polish side chose to escalate the conflict to an "unacceptable and inappropriate level."

“

Only Moscow benefits from the "imprudent" decision of the Polish president.

The strained relations come despite Poland's strong support for Ukraine's defense against Russia. However, public sentiment in Poland has shown signs of strain due to factors including fatigue with hosting refugees, disputes over grain imports, and now, the historical grievances related to the World War II massacres. The UPA, a military wing of a Ukrainian independence movement, fought against the Soviet Army but also clashed with Polish resistance forces, killing Polish and Jewish civilians. The group's complex history includes periods of collaboration with the Nazis and subsequent opposition to them.

Former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa also voiced his disapproval, stating he would no longer wear a Ukrainian flag pin. While reaffirming his support for Ukraine's fight against Russia, he declared he would not support Zelensky. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a political opponent of President Nawrocki, attempted to de-escalate the situation by urging both leaders to temper their reactions. Tusk warned that the conflict between Poland and Ukraine "delights Putin and shocks our allies."

“

We regret that instead of seeking solutions, the Polish side has decided to take this conflict to an unacceptable and inappropriate level.