Poland's President Proposes to Revoke Zelenskyy's Honor Amid Controversial Military Naming

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced plans to initiate the process of stripping President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland’s highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, following Zelenskyy’s decision to name a military unit after the wartime Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Nawrocki criticized Ukraine, stating that its glorification of the UPA demonstrates a lack of readiness to be part of the European community.

The UPA is viewed with mixed feelings in Poland; while it is celebrated in Ukraine as a symbol of resistance against Soviet forces, it is also associated with the massacre of Polish civilians during World War II, complicating Polish-Ukrainian relations. In response to the naming, Zelenskyy defended the military unit’s actions as integral to Ukraine's defense.

The controversy has provoked significant political reactions within Poland, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk cautioning that tensions could benefit only Russia. He emphasized that disputes rooted in historical grievances risk undermining future relations. Tusk urged both nations to prioritize their collective future over past conflicts.

Nawrocki intends to discuss the revocation during an upcoming meeting of the Order of the White Eagle’s chapter, citing Polish law allowing for the removal of honors if the recipient is deemed unworthy. He remarked that glorifying groups responsible for violence against Poles contradicts efforts for reconciliation.

The matter has also sparked responses from other Polish leaders, with notable figures like former President Lech Wałęsa taking symbolic actions in protest. The political landscape remains charged as Nawrocki's Law and Justice party faces an upcoming election against Tusk's pro-EU Civic Platform party.