Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland’s highest state award, following its revocation by the Polish president due to tensions over World War II history. Zelenskyy explained on social media that Ukrainians viewed the award as destined for the Ukrainian people and military. He stated, “I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve.” Alongside his message, he included images of the Polish order and mail receipt confirming its return.
The controversy arose after President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. This decision was prompted by Zelenskyy’s action on May 26, naming a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This paramilitary organization operated during the 1940s and 1950s and is accused in Poland of mass killings during WWII. Former Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Zelenskyy the honor for his contributions to security and human rights in 2023.
In a social media address, Nawrocki emphasized that for many Polish citizens, the UPA symbolizes cruel crimes against Poles in WWII. Despite the order’s revocation, he affirmed Poland’s continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
Criticism surfaced in Poland, which has been a refuge for millions of Ukrainian refugees during Russia’s invasion. Nawrocki, a nationalist politician, has been accused of using anti-Ukrainian sentiment for political advantage. Concerns about prejudice against Ukrainians, despite their economic contributions, have grown.
Ukraine expressed gratitude for Poland’s assistance but signaled willingness to address historical disagreements. Zelenskyy declared pride in Ukraine’s people and soldiers. Kyrylo Budanov, from Ukraine’s Presidential Office, described Nawrocki’s decision as unfriendly and beneficial to Moscow. Several Ukrainian officials, including Budanov, pledged to return Polish honors.
Notably, former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk criticized the move, suggesting that one detrimental decision by Poland should not lead to more mistakes from Ukraine.
Poland is set to host an event on Ukraine’s reconstruction, where Zelenskyy was expected to participate. Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister and Nawrocki’s rival, encouraged both nations to calm tensions, warning that the dispute pleases Putin and distresses allies.
Zelenskyy’s decree aimed to honor military traditions and recognize the unit’s defense of Ukraine’s integrity. While the UPA fought against Nazi Germany and Soviet forces for independence, it is accused of genocidal acts against Poles, particularly in the Nazi-occupied regions of Volhynia and Eastern Galicia, acknowledged by Poland’s Parliament in 2016.
Both sides attribute civilian casualties to attacks by formations like the UPA and Polish underground forces. Recent discussions have advanced the issue of exhuming Polish victims. A December meeting in Warsaw between the two nations’ presidents highlighted progress towards historical reconciliation.
Associated Press correspondents Yurchuk and Hanna Arhirova contributed to this report from Kyiv, Ukraine.
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