Zelenskyy Returns Polish Award Amid Dispute Over WWII Unit Naming

A diplomatic rift has emerged between Poland and Ukraine after Polish President Andrzej Duda announced he would revoke a state award given to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The decision stems from Zelenskyy's late May order to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Poland considers the UPA, a nationalist organization from World War II, responsible for the deaths of over 100,000 Poles during the Volhynia massacres. President Duda expressed his "outrage" at Zelenskyy's move, stating that the award, the Order of the White Eagle, was given in 2023 in recognition of the Ukrainian people and their army. Zelenskyy responded by returning the award, posting a photo of it being packed and sent back to the Polish presidential office. He stated that Ukraine is grateful for Poland's assistance and remains open to cooperation to avoid conflicting interpretations of their shared, difficult history. He also emphasized that no foreign president should dictate Ukraine's history. This dispute threatens to strain relations between two crucial strategic partners at a time when Kyiv is rallying international support to counter Russia's ongoing war. While some Ukrainians view UPA members as resistance heroes against Soviet and Nazi forces, their role in the Volhynia massacres remains a deeply painful historical issue for Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged both sides to remain calm, while Duda stressed his action is not directed against the Ukrainian people or a shift in Polish security policy.

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I believe that the Order of the White Eagle, awarded in 2023, was for the Ukrainian people and our army. This was said at the time. Today I sent the order back to the Polish president.