Polish President Revokes Zelenskyy’s Highest State Award Amid Controversy
Polish president strips Zelenskyy of Poland – In a surprising diplomatic move, Polish President Karol Nawrocki declared on Friday evening that he would revoke the Order of the White Eagle, the nation’s most prestigious state honor, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The decision came in response to Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after the World War Two Ukrainian Insurgent Army, or UPA, an organization historically associated with collaborationist actions against Soviet forces during the conflict. Nawrocki emphasized that the action was not a personal attack on the Ukrainian people, but a symbolic statement against the glorification of groups linked to wartime tensions.
Historical Tensions and Strategic Rationale
According to Nawrocki, the act of naming a unit “Heroes of the UPA” was undermining Poland’s security policy and creating a “poisoned memory” of the past. He argued that while Poland remains steadfast in its support of Ukraine against Russian aggression, the honor should not be bestowed upon leaders who celebrate factions tied to the 20th century’s complex history. The president also framed the move as a necessary warning to ensure that Polish-Ukrainian relations remain respectful and grounded in shared values. “There are boundaries that must not be crossed,” Nawrocki said, underscoring that the decision was intended to reinforce these limits.
Zelenskyy, in response, confirmed that he would return the medal to Nawrocki. In a statement, he remarked that “if it is considered that this special symbol may remain with Catherine II, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine will not argue with that.” Zelenskyy acknowledged the historical debate surrounding the UPA but maintained that the Order of the White Eagle was initially awarded as a recognition of the Ukrainian nation’s contributions to the fight against Russian dominance. “We believed the award was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army,” he explained. “That is what was said at the time. Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve.”
Ukrainian Leadership’s Criticism
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, labeled the Polish decision a “strategic mistake, from which only Russia will benefit.” He also announced that he would return the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he had received in 2022. Sybiha argued that the revocation of the honor was a step backward in fostering unity between the two nations, especially during a time of critical geopolitical challenges.
Additionally, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Office of the President, and Vasyl Bodnar, the country’s ambassador to Poland, both renounced the Polish Orders of Merit. Budanov, in a Telegram post, accused Nawrocki of making an “unfriendly gesture” toward Ukraine. “Unfortunately, Polish President Karol Nawrocki has stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle,” he wrote. “This is a gift to the Moscow aggressor, who will ruthlessly exploit it against both our countries.” Bodnar echoed this sentiment on Facebook, stating that he could not accept the decision as “historically unjust.” “While I understand the emotions in Poland,” he added, “I cannot accept that a president who is a friend to our nation has been stripped of the highest decoration.”
Reactions from Polish Officials and Allies
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the move on X, calling it a move that “delights Putin and shocks our allies.” He urged both leaders to focus on calming tensions rather than escalating them, noting that “the front line runs elsewhere.” Government spokesman Adam Szłapka highlighted that the Russian authorities had welcomed the decision, citing a post by Dmitry Medvedev, who expressed approval for the symbolic gesture.
The Institute of National Remembrance, a Polish organization tasked with preserving the nation’s historical memory, announced plans to launch an information campaign emphasizing Ukrainian nationalism. This initiative was seen as part of a broader effort to highlight the UPA’s role in the country’s wartime history and justify the revocation of the honor. Meanwhile, the speaker of Ukraine’s parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, warned that the decision could harm bilateral cooperation, describing it as a potential setback in the ongoing struggle for independence.
Political Divisions and Future Outlook
Opposition figures in Poland supported Nawrocki’s move, calling it a necessary step to clarify historical responsibilities. However, politicians from the Left and the Poland 2050 party expressed concerns about the possible deterioration of relations. They argued that the revocation might deepen divisions, particularly if it is perceived as a targeted effort to criticize Ukraine’s historical narrative.
Despite the backlash, Zelenskyy’s team remained open to continued dialogue. In a statement, he pledged to engage with Poland in “all meaningful formats” to avoid misinterpretations of their shared past. “Ukraine is grateful for the support and cooperation from the Polish People,” he said. “This has been vital in our joint effort to secure independence from Russia.” Zelenskyy’s comments reflect a desire to maintain the alliance while addressing the historical controversy without severing ties.
The decision to revoke the award has sparked a broader discussion about how nations balance historical memory with current alliances. While Poland aims to assert its historical integrity, Ukraine seeks to honor its leaders for their role in defending European unity. As the situation unfolds, both sides will need to navigate these tensions carefully to preserve their partnership amid evolving political dynamics.
Context of the Ukrainian Unit Naming
The controversy began in late May when Zelenskyy announced the renaming of a military unit to “Heroes of the UPA.” This move drew immediate criticism from Polish officials, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who saw it as a potential provocation. The UPA, while known for its resistance against Soviet rule, also had ties to collaborationist activities during World War Two, particularly with Nazi Germany. These dual aspects of the group’s history have made it a symbol of both national pride and historical debate.
Nawrocki’s revocation of the Order of the White Eagle is part of a growing trend of reevaluating historical figures and symbols. The Polish president’s message was clear: the honor should not be given to someone who celebrates groups with ambiguous wartime legacies. This decision aligns with efforts to highlight the sacrifices of Polish citizens during the war and to distinguish between the actions of historical factions and the current struggles for independence.
