Zelensky Reclaims Poland’s Highest Honour After Ukraine Naming Row

After Polish president Karol Nawrocki threatened to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, Zelensky announced that the honour has been returned to him.

The award, presented to Zelensky in 2023 by former Polish president Andrzej Duda, symbolises Poland’s support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Poland’s decision followed Ukraine’s controversial renaming of a military unit after the Ukrainian‑Insurgent Army (UPA), a group seen by many Ukrainians as freedom fighters but condemned by Poland for a 1940s genocide of ethnic Poles.

Nawrocki described the naming decision as “outrageous” and “deeply disappointing”, but insisted the diplomatic spat would not affect Poland’s aid to Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged both sides to calm emotions so Russia cannot exploit the tension.

Zelensky said Ukraine remains open to constructive dialogue with Poland to reconcile divergent historical narratives and thanked Poles for their sustained assistance, including sheltering millions of refugees and acting as a logistics hub for aid deliveries.

The conflict over the UPA’s legacy reflects broader tensions between the two neighbours, yet both leaders affirm continuous cooperation amid Russia’s aggression. Ukraine will soon enter the first phase of EU membership negotiations in Luxembourg, further underscoring the significance of Polish‑Ukrainian ties.