Polish President Proposes Revoking Top Honor from Zelensky Over UPA Naming
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Poland's nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki, proposed revoking the country's highest honor from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- The proposal follows Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), an organization blamed for massacres of Poles during World War II.
- Nawrocki expressed his indignation over the naming of the military unit.
Karol Nawrocki, the nationalist president of Poland, has proposed revoking the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state decoration, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The move comes after Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
The UPA is an organization widely accused of orchestrating massacres of Poles during World War II. Nawrocki stated his "indignation" over the naming of the military unit, viewing it as a deeply offensive act that disrespects the memory of the victims.
The withdrawal of the Order of the White Eagle from President Zelensky.
This proposal highlights a significant point of contention between Poland and Ukraine, particularly concerning historical interpretations and national memory. While Poland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion, historical grievances, especially those related to World War II, continue to cast a shadow over bilateral relations.
The Polish president's stance reflects a segment of Polish public opinion that remains sensitive to historical injustices. The decision to name a military unit after the UPA has been met with strong criticism in Poland, raising questions about Ukraine's historical narratives and their implications for its relationship with its neighbors.
Indignant
Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.