Ukraine is facing a significant diplomatic rift with Poland after President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a controversial World War Two-era group.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has stated he is considering revoking Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honor, following consultations with the order's council. The UPA is accused by Poland of carrying out the genocide of ethnic Poles in Volhynia in 1943-45, an event where an estimated 100,000 Poles were murdered. Nawrocki condemned the naming as a "glorification of bandits and killers."
The decision has drawn criticism from across Poland's political spectrum, with some lawmakers calling for a drastic reassessment of relations and demanding an end to funding for Ukraine's Starlink services. Some politicians have suggested Ukraine is not ready for EU membership until it reverses the decision.
Zelensky's administration views the UPA as symbols of Ukrainian independence, with the group's flag often used by Ukrainian troops. The decree aimed to "restore the historical traditions of the national army." However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Kyiv to find a solution, warning that conflict benefits Russia and that "hard business" might dictate future relations if the issue is not resolved.
Zelensky's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, traveled to Warsaw to de-escalate the situation, but his efforts appeared unsuccessful, with Tusk later admitting diplomacy had failed. Analysts worry that revoking the honor could lead to a major diplomatic rupture, potentially impacting support for Ukraine and strengthening parties critical of aid to Kyiv. The dispute may also affect an upcoming conference on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.