Key facts
- Piotr Fogler returned his Golden Cross of Merit on June 20.
- Fogler protested the revocation of Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle.
- President Karol Nawrocki decided to revoke Zelensky's award.
- The revocation followed Zelensky's decision to rename a Ukrainian military unit.
- The unit was renamed after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
- The UPA is linked to historical massacres.
Piotr Fogler, a former Polish lawmaker, returned his Golden Cross of Merit on June 20 in protest against the decision to revoke Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle. The revocation was ordered by President Karol Nawrocki. This action by Nawrocki followed Zelensky's decision to rename a Ukrainian military unit. The unit was renamed in honor of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA is an organization associated with historical massacres. Fogler's return of his state honor is a symbolic gesture expressing his disapproval of the revocation of Zelensky's award. The controversy stems from the historical context and the UPA's involvement in past atrocities, which has led to significant political and public reaction.