Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been stripped of Poland's highest state distinction, the Order of the White Eagle, after Kyiv named a military unit in honour of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a World War Two-era nationalist force that remains deeply controversial in Poland.
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Polish President Karol Nawrocki condemned the decision, describing it as "outrageous", "incomprehensible" and "deeply disappointing". He said the move damaged trust between the two countries but stressed it would not affect Poland's support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Conflicting Views of the UPA
The dispute centres on the UPA, which operated during the 1940s and 1950s. In Ukraine, many view the group as fighters for independence who resisted Soviet, Nazi German and Polish forces. The title "Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army" is regarded by many Ukrainians as a significant honour.
Poland, however, holds the UPA responsible for the mass killing of ethnic Poles in Volhynia between 1943 and 1945. Warsaw considers the massacres a genocide, with estimates suggesting around 100,000 ethnic Poles were killed.
In a video statement, Nawrocki said that for most Poles, the UPA is remembered primarily for crimes committed against Polish citizens during World War Two. He argued that Ukraine's decision to celebrate the group not only hurts historical memory but also undermines years of efforts to build mutual trust.
The Polish leader highlighted the support his country provided following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, noting that Poland welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees.
EU Ambitions and Political Fallout
Nawrocki also linked the issue to Ukraine's ambitions to join the European Union, arguing that prospective members must be willing to confront difficult aspects of their history. He said the principles on which modern Europe was built leave no room for glorifying violence or totalitarianism.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha sharply criticised the decision, calling it a "strategic mistake" that benefits Moscow. He also announced he would return an award granted to him by Poland in 2022, insisting that foreign leaders should not dictate Ukraine's interpretation of its own history.
The controversy comes as Ukraine continues its push toward EU membership, having taken part in the first stage of accession negotiations this week in Luxembourg.
Calls to Ease Tensions
Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sought to ease tensions. Writing on social media, he warned that the dispute would please Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged both Zelensky and Nawrocki to reduce tensions rather than inflame them.
The Order of the White Eagle had been awarded to Zelensky in 2023 by former Polish President Andrzej Duda. Zelensky has not publicly commented on the decision to revoke the honour.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 June 2026