Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, says he will keep the Order of the White Eagle after Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced the award would be stripped. The accusation came after Kyiv named a Ukrainian army unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), stirring backlash in Warsaw.
The UPA fought for Ukrainian independence in the 1940s‑50s but is accused by Poland of genocide against about 100,000 Polish civilians in Volhynia. Polish officials described the naming decision as “outrageous” and “deeply disappointing.” Despite the diplomatic heat, Nawrocki promised that Poland’s aid to Ukraine would not be affected.
Zelensky’s statement reflected a calm resolve: “Ukraine remains open to all meaningful formats of engagement with Poland, so we can avoid conflicting interpretations of our shared past.” He also thanked the Polish people for their cooperation and support during the war.
While the incident underscored historical tensions, it also highlighted the strategic partnership that has seen Poland host millions of Ukrainian refugees and provide logistical aid to the war front. As Ukraine moves toward EU membership talks, both sides stress the necessity of focusing on present cooperation rather than past disputes.
