Volodymyr Zelensky stripped of Poland's highest honor, Order of the White Eagle, after Ukraine named military unit after Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The group linked to WWII atrocities against Poles. Polish President Karol Nawrocki slammed Ukraine's move as "outrageous" and "deeply disappointing."
Nawrocki said glorifying UPA damages trust between Poland,Ukraine. Even with Poland's support for Kyiv amid Russian invasion. He noted most Poles see UPA as responsible for brutal killings of ethnic Poles in Volhynia massacres,1943-1945. "For overwhelming majority of Polish society,UPA remains a formation responsible for brutal crimes against citizens of Republic of Poland during WWII," he said.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hit back,calling Polish decision a "strategic mistake" and "disrespectful." Said move benefits Moscow,could worsen tensions. In response,Sybiha vowed to return an award from Poland,stating "no president of another country will dictate our history to us."
UPA, active in 1940s and 1950s,seen by many Ukrainians as symbol of fight for independence against Nazi Germany and Soviet Union. Its red and black flag still visible among Ukrainian troops. Zelensky aimed to honor this legacy, restore historical traditions by naming unit after UPA .
Nawrocki highlighted Poland's humanitarian role, welcoming hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees since Russian invasion in 2022. "Poles opened their borders, homes,hearts to millions of Ukrainians," he said,noting goodwill in Polish-Ukrainian ties recently .
But he insisted Ukraine must face historical truths to join European structures. "A united Europe built on rejection of totalitarianism,cult of violence," Nawrocki said. "These principles must apply to everyone. For those who do not understand this,no place in EU,and Poland won't allow it."
Ukraine pursuing EU membership,began first phase of negotiations in Luxembourg this week. Tensions over UPA legacy hurdle in Ukraine's European ambitions.
Zelensky, who got Order of the White Eagle from ex-President Andrzej Duda in 2023,hasn't commented publicly on the issue . Situation remains delicate,with both countries juggling historical grievances amid ongoing Russian threat…
