Volodymyr Zelenskyy to skip postwar conference amid tensions with Poland

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not attend a conference in Gdańsk, Poland, focused on Ukraine's postwar reconstruction. This decision stems from a dispute over his naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Poles during World War II. The UPA's actions are viewed as a "genocide committed by Ukrainian nationalists" in Poland, while Ukraine sees the UPA as heroes of independence. The controversy has led to outrage in Poland, with President Andrzej Duda revoking Zelenskyy's highest civilian honor. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and the dispute risks weakening bilateral relations at a critical time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has returned Poland's highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, after Polish counterpart Karol Nawrocki announced he was stripping Zelensky of the award. The award was originally bestowed on Zelensky in 2023. This action follows outrage in Poland after a Ukrainian army unit was renamed after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group accused by Poland of genocide against ethnic Poles during World War II. While many in Ukraine view the UPA as independence fighters, Poland cites atrocities committed in Volhynia. Zelensky stated Ukraine remains open to dialogue regarding difficult historical issues and expressed gratitude for Polish support. Three other Ukrainian officials are also returning Polish awards in solidarity.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced he will strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle. This decision stems from Zelenskyy's decree to name a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), an organization accused of massacring Poles during World War II. Ukrainian officials criticized Nawrocki's move as an unfriendly act that benefits Moscow by creating conflict between Kyiv and its allies. Several Ukrainian officials, including the Foreign Minister and the Ambassador to Poland, stated they would return state honors they had received from Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged de-escalation, warning that such tensions delight Russia. The UPA fought for Ukrainian independence but is also accused of killing tens of thousands of Poles.

Top Ukrainian officials, including Kyrylo Budanov, Vasyl Bodnar, and Andrii Sybiha, announced they are returning Polish awards. This action follows Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's Order of the White Eagle. The dispute arose after Zelenskyy named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group accused of massacring Poles during World War II. Ukrainian officials criticized the decision as an unfriendly act and a gift to Russia, while Poland stated it would not affect their support for Ukraine. The officials emphasized the need for reflection rather than political speculation regarding historical issues.

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.