Zelensky stripped of highest Polish honour over WW2 name of army unit

Poland has revoked President Volodymyr Zelensky's highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle, due to Ukraine's decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Polish President Karol Nawrocki called the UPA's glorification "outrageous" and "deeply disappointing," citing the UPA's alleged responsibility for crimes against Polish citizens during World War II. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Poland's action as a "strategic mistake" and "disrespectful." While many in Ukraine view the UPA as heroes who fought for independence, Poland accuses them of genocide against ethnic Poles in Volhynia. Despite this diplomatic dispute, Poland affirmed its continued support for Ukraine against Russia.

Poland's nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki, announced on Friday that he is revoking Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky of the country's top award. This action escalates tensions between Poland and Ukraine, allies who are currently experiencing strained relations. The dispute stems from Zelensky's decision to name a Ukrainian army unit after a World War II nationalist insurgent army involved in massacres against Poles. Nawrocki's announcement comes shortly before Poland is scheduled to host the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk. It remains uncertain whether Zelensky will attend the conference.