The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has returned Poland’s highest state honor after the Polish President decided to revoke the award. This action comes amid tensions over historical disputes related to World War II.
In a social media message, Zelenskyy explained that Ukrainians see the order as intended for the Ukrainian people and army. He sent the Order of the White Eagle back to the Polish President. Zelenskyy stated his belief that future events will affirm the respect deserving of Ukrainians.
The message on social media included photographs of the Polish order and evidence that it was about to be sent to the Polish presidential office. The Polish President, Karol Nawrocki, had removed the award due to Zelenskyy’s decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This organization has been accused of committing atrocities against Poles during World War II.
Former Polish President Andrzej Duda initially granted Zelenskyy the award in 2023 for contributions to security, resilience, and defending human rights. On May 26, Zelenskyy issued a decree naming a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces after the UPA. This group was active during the 1940s and 1950s and is considered by many in Poland responsible for violent acts during the war.
The UPA is regarded by most Polish citizens as a group responsible for severe crimes against citizens of Poland during the war.
According to Nawrocki, Zelenskyy’s action has reopened historical wounds. Poland, which has supported Ukraine during its fight against Russia, expressed criticism. Nawrocki, known for exploiting anti-Ukrainian sentiments, stated the revocation would not reduce Polish support for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Presidential Office chief Kyrylo Budanov referred to Poland’s decision as unfriendly, benefiting Moscow, and wrote on Telegram that he would return state honors from Poland, alongside three other Ukrainian officials. Some Ukrainians criticized Zelenskyy’s decision to return the honor.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former Ukrainian Prime Minister, noted that a poor decision by Poland’s current President should not be corrected by further incorrect actions. Calls for calming tensions were voiced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who urged the leaders to focus on unity against external threats. Tusk remarked that the disagreement could benefit adversaries like Putin.
Zelenskyy’s decree intended to honor military traditions and acknowledge the performance of units defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence. The UPA fought against both Nazi and Soviet forces for Ukrainian independence. However, accusations exist that it killed tens of thousands of Poles in regions occupied by Nazi forces. In 2016, Poland recognized these acts as genocide.
Progress had recently been made between Poland and Ukraine on the issue of exhuming Polish victims. After a December meeting, both presidents appeared to advance towards historical reconciliation.
In related news, Poland plans to host an event focused on Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction soon, which Zelenskyy is expected to attend.