Poland Revokes Top Honour for Zelensky Over WWII Unit Naming

Poland has stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of its highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle. This move follows Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a World War Two-era organization with a contentious legacy.

Polish President Andrzej Duda described Ukraine’s decision as “outrageous,” “incomprehensible,” and “deeply disappointing.” He emphasized that for the majority of Polish society, the UPA is remembered for committing “brutal crimes against citizens of the Republic of Poland” during the war, particularly the alleged genocide of ethnic Poles in Volhynia in 1943-45.

Duda stated that while Poland supports Ukraine against Russia and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, Ukraine must also confront difficult chapters of its history. He added that a path towards European integration requires an honest reckoning with the past, and that principles rejecting totalitarianism and violence must apply universally.

Ukraine views the UPA as heroes who fought for national independence against various forces. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha denounced Warsaw’s decision as a “strategic mistake” and “disrespectful,” stating that no foreign president should dictate Ukraine’s history. Sybiha also announced he would return an award he received from Poland.

Despite the diplomatic friction, Polish leaders, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have stressed that this dispute will not impact Poland’s unwavering support for Ukraine. Tusk urged both Zelensky and Duda to de-escalate tensions, warning that such disputes benefit Russia.

The UPA’s red and black flag is still used by some Ukrainian troops today, and Zelensky had stated the unit’s naming was intended to “restore historical traditions of the national army.”

Source: Nile Post