Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned Poland’s highest state honor following its revocation by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. This decision arose from a dispute over World War II history.
Zelenskyy clarified via social media that the award represented the Ukrainian people and army. He announced he had sent the Order back to Poland’s President, believing future respect for Ukrainians would be upheld. Supporting this statement on X were images of the Polish order and evidence of postage to the Polish presidential office.
President Nawrocki revoked the honor due to Zelenskyy naming a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, notorious in Poland for alleged WWII massacres. Former Polish President Andrzej Duda initially honored Zelenskyy with the award in 2023 for his efforts towards security, resilience, and human rights defense.
Nawrocki addressed the issue on social media, highlighting the Insurgent Army’s alleged crimes against Polish citizens during the war. Despite holding millions of Ukrainian refugees and backing Kyiv against Russian invasion, Nawrocki, a nationalist figure, utilized anti-Ukrainian sentiment politically.
Nawrocki assured that Poland’s support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia remains unchanged. Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s gratitude and willingness to address historical tensions with Poland, publicly appreciating Ukrainian warriors.
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s Presidential Office chief, criticized Nawrocki’s decision as unfriendly and beneficial to Moscow. Other Ukrainian officials returned Polish honors, despite concerns from figures like former Ukrainian PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who warned against compounding poor decisions.
Poland plans a significant event on Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction soon, with Zelenskyy expected to participate. Polish PM Donald Tusk urged mellowing the diplomatic dispute, stressing unity against external threats.
Zelenskyy noted the designation aimed to restore military traditions. The UPA’s struggle against Nazi and Soviet threats has been noted alongside accusations of wartime murders. The Polish Parliament labeled UPA’s acts as genocide in 2016, though Ukrainians noted violence from both sides affected citizens.
Previously, Poland and Ukraine progressed on Polish victim exhumations. A meeting in Warsaw marked historical reconciliation achievements.
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