Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland’s highest state honor. The gesture follows the decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Zelenskyy of the award due to a dispute over World War II history. Zelenskyy stated, “the order was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army.” He expressed hope that respect for Ukrainians would be confirmed in the future.
A message on social media showed photos of the Polish order and a postal receipt as it was being sent back to the Polish presidential office. President Nawrocki removed the Order of the White Eagle from Zelenskyy after he named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This organization is accused by Poland of committing massacres during WWII.
Former Polish President Andrzej Duda had awarded this honor to Zelenskyy in 2023 for contributions to security, resilience, and human rights defense. On May 26, Zelenskyy issued a decree naming a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces after the UPA. This move resulted in widespread criticism within Poland.
Nawrocki, a nationalist politician, utilized anti-Ukrainian sentiment for electoral purposes. He emphasized that the decision to revoke the honor does not reduce Poland’s support for Ukraine against Russia. Despite this, Ukrainians in Poland face increasing discrimination.
“For the majority of Polish society, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army remains above all a formation responsible for cruel crimes against the citizens of the Polish Republic during World War II,” Nawrocki stated in a 13-minute social media address.
Zelenskyy conveyed gratitude to Poland for its support and openness to resolving historical differences. He wrote, “I am proud of our people and of EVERY Ukrainian warrior.” Ukrainian Presidential Office chief Kyrylo Budanov described Nawrocki’s action as “an unfriendly act” and a “gift to the Moscow aggressor.” Four other Ukrainian officials also decided to return their Polish honors.
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk criticized the return of honors, stating one erroneous decision should not be countered with another. A major event on Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction is scheduled in Poland, with Zelenskyy expected to attend. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged both leaders to reduce tensions, remarking that “the row delights Putin and shocks our allies.”
Zelenskyy’s decree intended to honor military traditions by recognizing the unit’s role in defending Ukraine’s integrity. The UPA fought against both Nazi Germany and Soviet forces, but is accused of genocidal acts in regions like Volhynia and Eastern Galicia. The Polish Parliament identified these actions as genocide in 2016.
The countries had recently progressed on exhuming Polish victims, with a December meeting in Warsaw showing steps toward historical reconciliation.