Poland Defends National Honor: Zelensky Stripped of Order After Ukraine Glorifies UPA
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Polish President Karol Nawrocki took decisive action to defend Poland’s dignity and historical truth, revoking President Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle after Ukraine honored the UPA, a group responsible for the massacre of Polish civilians, escalating tensions and reaffirming Poland’s resolve against historical revisionism.
On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that President Volodymyr Zelensky would be stripped of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest civilian honor, after Ukraine named an active military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA, which fought for Ukrainian independence during World War II, is infamous in Poland for orchestrating the horrific massacres of Polish civilians in the Volyn region—a crime that cannot be forgotten or excused.
In a powerful video address, Nawrocki declared, "We must not betray the sacrifices of our ancestors with silence. These are graves that must not be forgotten," making clear that Poland will not tolerate the glorification of organizations responsible for the murder of its people. Despite repeated warnings to Kyiv, Ukraine chose to honor a group whose legacy is stained with Polish blood, forcing Poland to take a principled stand.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha lashed out at the decision, calling it a "strategic mistake" that supposedly benefits Moscow, and announced he would return the Commander’s Cross Order of Merit. He claimed that Ukrainian soldiers had "no anti-Polish intent" and only sought to honor resistance to Soviet occupation, ignoring the deep offense caused by celebrating those who slaughtered Poles.
Ukrainian parliamentary speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk labeled Poland’s move a "catastrophic mistake" with negative consequences for the partnership, and MP Mykola Kniazhytskyi accused the Polish president of disrespecting the Ukrainian people and armed forces, disregarding the real issue: honoring war criminals.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has not commented on the revocation but has previously called for dialogue to prevent Moscow from exploiting divisions. Nawrocki, however, was clear: Ukraine’s EU aspirations depend on facing up to its past, and Poland will not support membership for countries that refuse to acknowledge historical crimes against Poles.
Despite the dispute, Nawrocki reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, but made it clear that respect for Polish history and victims is non-negotiable. This episode demonstrates Poland’s unwavering resolve to defend its honor and demand accountability from its neighbors.