Zelensky stripped of Poland's highest honor after honoring nationalist group
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland’s highest honor after Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a controversial World War II-era nationalist group that engaged in the mass murder of Poles.
TL;DR
- Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- The revocation was a response to Ukraine naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a WWII nationalist group that massacred Poles.
- Zelensky returned the award, stating it represented trust and gratitude, and questioned Poland's selective approach to honoring historical figures.
- Ukrainian officials, including the Foreign Minister and Head of the Office of the President, criticized Poland's decision.
- The UPA is viewed as freedom fighters for Ukrainian independence by many in Ukraine, while widely condemned in Poland and Russia for its role in the Volhynian Genocide.
- The historical relationship between Poland and Ukraine is contentious, particularly regarding events during World War II and the actions of groups like the UPA.