Introduction
Poland decided to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of its highest honor. This action follows his approval to rename a Ukrainian military unit in memory of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA, a nationalist group, was responsible for the massacre of thousands of Poles during World War II. The decision may benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attempts to depict Zelensky and Ukraine as Nazis. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized the move as a strategic error that aids Moscow.
Impact on Ukraine-Poland Relations
There is concern about a diplomatic conflict between Poland and Ukraine, who have been allies since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. This controversy arises just before a conference on Ukrainian reconstruction in Poland. Warsaw has backed Kyiv, united against Russia. However, ties have strained over issues like refugees and grain imports. The historical legacy of WWII massacres further complicates relations.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated Zelensky’s acceptance of naming a unit ‘Heroes of the UPA’ as the reason behind revoking the Order of the White Eagle. He insisted this decision is not against the Ukrainian people or a shift in Poland’s security policy. In response, Sybiha expressed regret over Poland escalating the conflict instead of seeking solutions. He emphasized that no foreign president will dictate Ukrainian history.
The UPA: Contested Legacy
In Ukraine, some view the UPA as heroes for resisting Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, symbolizing Kyiv’s independence efforts from Moscow. However, the UPA was involved in the Volhynia massacre, where up to 100,000 Polish civilians were killed between 1943 and 1945. Ukraine’s decision to honor a special forces unit with the UPA name sparked political outrage in Poland.
Recent surveys by SW Research indicate 51.9% of Poles view Ukraine and Zelensky negatively following this decision. Zelensky received the Order of the White Eagle in 2023 for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting democracy, peace, and security in Europe.
Russia’s Narrative and Propaganda
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Putin has tried to portray Zelensky and Ukraine as Nazi affiliates, referring to the Holocaust in his rhetoric. On February 24, the invasion’s anniversary, Putin claimed the invasion aimed to protect people from Ukraine’s regime by demilitarizing and ‘denazifying’ the country. He accused Ukraine of being led by ‘far-right nationalists and neo-Nazis.’
Putin’s narrative stems from Soviet interpretations of the Great Patriotic War, linking Nazism to attacks on Soviet identity. A 2025 RAND study revealed Russia’s dissemination of extremist narratives, like the ‘Nazi Ukraine trope,’ primarily in Russian-speaking digital spaces.
Although Ukraine has a history of antisemitism and some modern far-right factions, these are politically minor. The fallout might align with Moscow’s propaganda, while Ukraine depends on Western alliances for support amid the ongoing war.