Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki announced the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This action has sparked significant diplomatic tensions between Poland and Ukraine.
In a statement shared on social media, Agnieszka Jędziak, the minister in the Polish presidential office, clarified that Poland does not revoke honors posthumously, referencing historical figures such as Catherine II of Russia and Benito Mussolini, who still hold the order. She noted that the former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder retains the honor because he “never openly offended the Polish nation,” contrasting this with Zelensky’s recent remarks.
Jędziak acknowledged that Schröder’s support for Russia under Vladimir Putin should be condemned, but pointed out that during his tenure, no memorials were erected for Nazi leaders. She emphasized that Zelensky’s comments regarding the honors were inappropriate, particularly as he had previously received the same award in 2020.
“When someone extends a hand to help you, you do not insult those who assist you,” Jędziak stated, asserting that the Polish government remains supportive of Ukraine while expecting mutual respect.
The revocation of the Order of the White Eagle was officially announced on June 19, after Zelensky named a special operations unit in honor of the UPA, a group that has been associated with controversial historical actions against Poles during World War II. Following this, Zelensky returned the award by mail, expressing his desire for continued constructive dialogue with Poland.
In light of Nawrocki’s decision, several Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, have also renounced their Polish honors. These include prominent figures such as Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President’s Office, and former Prime Ministers Volodymyr Groysman, Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko.
On May 26, Zelensky issued a decree to honor the Special Operations Forces unit with the name of the UPA, aimed at restoring historical military traditions. This decision was met with backlash from Polish historians and politicians, who condemned the UPA for its historical actions during the Volhynia massacre.
The Polish Institute of National Remembrance characterized the UPA as responsible for genocide against Poles, urging resistance against any glorification of the group. Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, a supporter of Ukraine, criticized Zelensky’s actions, stating that honoring the UPA was offensive to the memory of Polish victims.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for Ukraine to seek solutions to the escalating tensions, emphasizing the importance of historical sensitivity in Polish public opinion. In response, Ukrainian officials have maintained that the naming decision was not intended to offend Poland.
The revocation of the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has heightened diplomatic tensions. This decision follows Zelensky's naming of a military unit after the controversial Ukrainian Insurgent Army, prompting several Ukrainian officials to renounce their Polish honors.