Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has revoked the White Eagle Order from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, an honor previously awarded by former President Andrzej Duda in 2023. This decision follows Zelensky’s recent decree to name a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), prompting Warsaw to demand a reversal of the move.
On June 19, Nawrocki’s office announced the revocation, emphasizing that the Polish government had repeatedly communicated the significance of the issue to Ukraine. “We have expressed our position and expectations regarding the consequences of this decision for our bilateral relations. Ultimately, the Ukrainian side has not changed its stance,” Nawrocki stated.
“The decision to honor the UPA is not directed against the Ukrainian people and does not alter Poland’s strategic security policy. However, the glorification of the UPA by Kyiv is disappointing,” he added.
Nawrocki further criticized the naming of the unit, asserting that it carries implications that extend beyond Ukraine’s internal affairs. He described the Ukrainian government’s actions as “outrageous, incomprehensible, and deeply disappointing,” particularly highlighting the historical context of UPA’s actions against Poles.
“The designation of a Ukrainian military unit in honor of individuals associated with UPA’s crimes is significant. The Ukrainian authorities’ decision to celebrate the UPA is alarming and should be met with resistance from those who remember the actions of this formation,” Nawrocki remarked.
This controversy began on May 26, when Zelensky issued decree No. 440/2026, granting the Special Operations Forces’ Northern Center the honorary title “in the name of the Heroes of UPA”. The decree aimed to restore historical traditions within the national military.
Following Zelensky’s announcement, Nawrocki publicly condemned the action, suggesting that Zelensky should be stripped of the White Eagle Order. This sentiment was echoed by various Polish historians and politicians, who criticized the decision, recalling UPA’s violent history during the Volhynia massacres. The Polish Institute of National Remembrance stated that the UPA was responsible for “genocide in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia,” urging resistance against the establishment of a cult surrounding the UPA.
Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has historically supported Ukraine, also denounced Zelensky’s decision. He announced plans to remove a badge representing the Ukrainian flag that he had worn since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. In a Facebook post, Wałęsa expressed that Zelensky’s honoring of UPA members was an affront to him and to the memory of those lost.
On June 5, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that Ukraine should seek a resolution to the issue. He expressed understanding for Nawrocki’s reaction and emphasized that there would be no division within Polish public opinion or government regarding historical matters.
While Zelensky has not publicly addressed the renaming of the Special Operations unit since the backlash, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha defended the decision, asserting that the soldiers chose the name themselves without any intention to offend Poland.
Poland's President has revoked an honor from Ukraine's leader over the controversial naming of a military unit after the UPA, stirring tensions between the two nations. The decision reflects deep historical grievances and concerns regarding the implications of glorifying the UPA in Poland.