Zelenskyy Returns Poland’s Highest Honor Amid Historical Dispute Over Ukrainian Military Unit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland’s highest state distinction, the Order of the White Eagle, after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the award amid growing tensions over historical memory and wartime legacy.

The diplomatic dispute emerged following Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist organization that remains a deeply divisive symbol in relations between the two neighboring countries.

In a statement on social media, Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains committed to maintaining dialogue with Poland and addressing difficult chapters of their shared history. He also expressed gratitude to the Polish people for their continued support throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the Order of the White Eagle carries significant symbolic value and should reflect the principles and values shared by both nations. He suggested that if Poland no longer considered Ukraine worthy of the distinction, Kyiv would respect that decision and return the award.

Zelenskyy emphasized that when the honor was bestowed in 2023, it was widely viewed as recognition of the Ukrainian people and armed forces for their resistance during the war. For that reason, he said, the award has now been formally sent back to Poland.

President Nawrocki announced the revocation of the honor after criticism intensified in Poland over Kyiv’s recent military naming decision. Polish officials argue that the UPA was responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Polish civilians during World War II in the regions of Volhynia and Eastern Galicia.

While Poland views those events as ethnic cleansing and genocide, many Ukrainians regard the UPA as a symbol of resistance against both Nazi and Soviet rule and part of the country’s struggle for independence.

Despite the disagreement, Polish authorities stressed that the decision does not alter Warsaw’s strategic backing for Ukraine or its commitment to supporting Kyiv in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The episode highlights the continuing challenge of balancing strong modern-day cooperation with unresolved historical grievances that continue to shape Polish-Ukrainian relations.
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