Polish President Nawrocki Seeks to Remove Zelenskyy from Poland’s Most Prestigious Honor
Polish President Nawrocki seeks to strip – On May 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a controversial decision to rename a specialized military unit as the “Heroes of the UPA,” a name rooted in the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. His rationale, as stated, was to “revive the legacy of the national army and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the forces entrusted with defending Ukraine’s borders.” This move has sparked sharp reactions from Polish officials, with President Karol Nawrocki expressing deep disappointment. During a press conference in Warsaw, Nawrocki lamented the decision, calling it a “painful moment” that risks undermining the trust between the two nations. He emphasized that honoring the UPA could serve as a “fertile ground for Russian narratives” aiming to distort historical truths.
Historical Sensitivities and Diplomatic Moves
Nawrocki’s proposal to revoke Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle—Poland’s highest state honor—was framed as a necessary step to assert Poland’s historical narrative. “It is vital for Poland to shape its own approach to remembering the past,” he argued, citing the influence of MP Grzegorz Płaczek of the Confederation New Hope party. The president stated that this action would “reinforce our collective identity” and “protect the legacy of those who fought for Poland’s freedom during the 20th century.” The Council of the Chapter, Poland’s highest legislative body, will convene on June 8 to deliberate on the matter. Zelenskyy was awarded the Order on April 5, 2023, by the late President Andrzej Duda, who praised his efforts to “fortify ties between Poland and Ukraine” and “defend human rights.”
“Poland also has the right to shape its own politics of remembrance and historical policy,” Nawrocki said. “That is why I took very seriously the appeal of the Polish people and MP Płaczek, who sent me such an appeal.”
The Polish Foreign Ministry has since issued a formal diplomatic protest, highlighting its “unequivocal disapproval” of Zelenskyy’s decision. Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki summoned Ukraine’s ambassador, Vasyl Bodnar, to address the issue directly. The ministry emphasized that “in the face of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, the security of the entire region cannot be compromised by historical disputes.” This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who urged calm in a statement to journalists: “Our shared goal is to stabilize the region, not to let the past dictate our future. We have one enemy—Russia—and must remain united against it.”
Support from Key Political Figures
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, during a gathering in Sopot with the Council of the Baltic Sea States, expressed frustration over the lack of consideration for Poland’s historical perspective. “The failure to recognize Polish sensitivities is regrettable,” he said, adding that “disputes over the past could allow others to control the present.” He warned that “only Putin stands to benefit from a conflict between Poland and Ukraine over historical memory.” The same sentiment was conveyed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wiewiór, who described Zelenskyy’s choice as “a clear signal of disrespect to Poland’s wartime history.”
Zelenskyy’s decision has also drawn criticism from former President Lech Wałęsa, a Nobel laureate known for his role in the Solidarity movement. On social media, Wałęsa declared, “By honoring the bandits of the UPA, the Ukrainian President has insulted me and all those who perished under Soviet rule.” He removed the Ukrainian flag from his lapel and vowed to “continue supporting Ukraine’s struggle against the Soviets,” explicitly stating his refusal to back Zelenskyy. “I will not align myself with a leader who erases the sacrifices of Polish freedom fighters,” he wrote.
Reactions from Ukraine
While Poland’s leaders have voiced their discontent, the Ukrainian side has responded with a more measured stance. The mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, defended the initiative, asserting that “every city has its own heroes” and that the UPA’s legacy is “a testament to Ukraine’s resilience.” He argued that renaming the unit is a “natural tribute to the courage of those who resisted occupation,” rather than an act of provocation. This perspective contrasts with Poland’s view that the UPA’s collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II casts doubt on its heroic status.
However, the conflict has intensified since Zelenskyy’s announcement. Polish officials have highlighted the risk of “historical rivalry” undermining the broader alliance between the two nations. Tusk, in a separate address, stressed the importance of mutual understanding: “If we argue over the past, someone else will shape the future. Both leaders must realize that the current crisis demands unity, not division.” His remarks were bolstered by Sikorski, who warned that “a quarrel over history could leave us vulnerable to external manipulation.”
Broader Implications for European Relations
The controversy reflects deeper tensions in post-war European memory politics. The UPA, a group that fought against Soviet rule in the 1940s and 1950s, is viewed by Poland as having ties to Nazi collaborators. In contrast, Ukraine regards the UPA as a symbol of national resistance. This divergence has fueled debates about how to reconcile historical narratives without alienating allies. Duda, who previously praised Zelenskyy’s efforts in 2023, had called him a “guardian of European peace,” but Nawrocki’s move signals a shift in Polish policy toward Ukrainian leaders.
As the Council of the Chapter prepares to vote on stripping Zelenskyy of his honor, the issue has become a focal point for discussions on historical reconciliation. The decision to rename the unit, while symbolic, has broader implications for the relationship between Poland and Ukraine. It underscores the delicate balance between honoring shared struggles and acknowledging divergent historical interpretations. For Poland, the Order of the White Eagle is more than a medal—it represents the nation’s commitment to its wartime heritage. For Ukraine, the gesture was a way to celebrate its fighters, regardless of their affiliations during the war against the Soviets.
The ongoing debate highlights how historical memory can influence political alliances. As tensions rise, both nations must navigate the challenge of preserving their national identities while maintaining cooperation. The next steps will depend on the outcome of the Chapter’s meeting and the broader diplomatic dialogue between Poland and Ukraine. For now, the conflict over the UPA serves as a reminder of the complexities in reconciling past events with present goals in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Conclusion: A Test of Historical Consensus
Poland’s move to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Zelenskyy marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two neighboring nations. The decision is rooted in a desire to protect the nation’s historical narrative, even as it draws criticism from Ukraine. The UPA’s role in the war against Soviet forces remains a point of contention, with Poland emphasizing its collaboration with Nazi Germany and Ukraine celebrating its independence struggle. As the Council of the Chapter deliberates, the outcome could set a precedent for how historical disputes are managed in the European Union. For now, the debate continues, with both sides vying to shape the legacy of their shared history.
