Poland Strips Zelensky of White Eagle Over WWII‑Era UPA Naming Row

Fri Jun 19 2026 23:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Poland removes Zelensky from its fabled Order of the White Eagle after UPA naming dispute, sparking diplomatic tension amid war context.

Poland revoked President Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle after Kyiv named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, a group Poland links to WWII massacres of ethnic Poles. President Karol Nawrocki called the decision outrageous and insisted that Warsaw’s support for Ukraine will not be affected. Ukraine’s foreign minister condemned the move as a strategic mistake and has announced he will return his Polish award. The incident highlights differing WWII narratives and Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU.

Poland Strips Zelensky of White Eagle Over WWII‑Era UPA Naming Row

President Volodymyr Zelensky lost Poland’s highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle, after Kyiv decided to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. The decision, seen by many Ukrainians as a heroic tribute, was deemed outrageous by Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who stated the move was incomprehensible and deeply disappointing.

Poland points to the Volhynia massacres of ethnic Poles during 1943‑45 as evidence that the UPA was responsible for atrocities. Nawrocki emphasised that the diplomatic row would not jeopardise Poland’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha called the decision a strategic mistake and disrespectful. He announced the annulment of the Polish award he has received and warned against the influence of historical narratives on national sovereignty.

The clash underscores the differing interpretations of WWII history between Poland and Ukraine and adds a new layer to Ukraine’s ongoing pursuit of European Union membership.