Poland strips Zelensky of highest honor after Ukrainian army unit is named for controversial WWII fighters; Ukrainian officials return their awards
TL;DR
- Poland revoked its highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- The revocation is in response to Ukraine naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
- The UPA was involved in ethnic cleansing during WWII, notably the Volhynia massacre, which targeted Polish civilians.
- Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that for most Poles, the UPA is remembered for crimes against Polish citizens.
- Several Ukrainian officials, including presidential staff and the foreign minister, returned their Polish awards in protest.
- Polish officials expressed concern that the dispute benefits Moscow, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk urging de-escalation.