Ukrainian Leader Returns Poland’s Highest Honor Amid Historical Dispute

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned the prestigious Order of the White Eagle to Poland, following the Polish president’s decision to revoke the honor due to tensions over WWII history. Zelenskyy emphasized in a social media post that the award was intended for the Ukrainian people and military, reinforcing his belief that Ukrainians deserve respect. Accompanying the message on social media were photos of the order and postal receipt indicating its return to the Polish presidential office.

President Karol Nawrocki, citing the Ukrainian leader’s decision to name a military unit after a controversial Ukrainian paramilitary organization, stripped Zelenskyy of the honor. The organization, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), has faced accusations in Poland of wartime atrocities against Polish citizens. Former Polish President Andrzej Duda had awarded Zelenskyy the honor in 2023 for his contributions to security and human rights.

Zelenskyy’s decree on May 26 recognized a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces with the name of the UPA, aimed at restoring military traditions and acknowledging the unit’s role in defending Ukraine’s independence. This move reignited historic grievances, with Polish society viewing the UPA as responsible for significant civilian casualties during WWII.

Nawrocki’s decision sparked widespread criticism in Poland, a nation that has hosted numerous Ukrainian refugees and remains a vital ally for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. Nawrocki, known for his nationalist views, has capitalized on anti-Ukrainian sentiment, although he clarified that this decision would not affect Poland’s support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Despite this, Ukraine expressed gratitude for Poland’s assistance, with Zelenskyy showing openness to resolving historical disputes. Ukrainian Presidential Office chief Kyrylo Budanov criticized Nawrocki’s action as unfriendly, suggesting it could be leveraged by Moscow against both nations. Four Ukrainian officials, including Budanov, also returned Polish honors.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former Ukrainian prime minister, argued against the move to return these honors, highlighting the need for caution in political decisions.

Ahead of an upcoming event on Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction scheduled in Poland, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged for calm between the leaders to avoid escalating tensions, emphasizing that discord would only benefit adversaries while alarming allies. Historical reconciliation efforts between Poland and Ukraine had been progressing, with recent developments on exhuming Polish victims underscoring steps toward resolving past conflicts.