The Order of the White Eagle Dispute
Polish President Karol Nawrocki may soon decide to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This potential action stems from Kyiv’s decision to bestow the honorary title 'Named after the Heroes of the UPA' on a unit of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. The chapter of the Order of the White Eagle has already prepared its recommendation and submitted it to the Polish head of state for review.
Nawrocki attended a meeting of the order’s chapter where these matters were discussed. Polish presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz stated that Warsaw is waiting for a response from Kyiv regarding the controversial naming. Poland has decided to give Ukrainian authorities additional time to react. If Kyiv does not reverse its decision, the Polish president could make a final ruling on the order by mid-June.
Ukraine’s Response and Broader Implications
Zelensky issued Decree No. 440/2026, granting the honorary designation 'Named after the Heroes of the UPA' to the Separate Special Operations Center 'North.' Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has also been involved in discussions on the matter. Leśkiewicz emphasized that the president will make a decision at the appropriate time.
This situation highlights growing tensions between Poland and Ukraine over historical and political issues tied to the glorification of Ukrainian nationalists. It is noteworthy that Poland is giving Ukraine a chance to reconsider, which may indicate a desire to preserve bilateral ties despite existing disagreements. The next steps will depend on how Ukrainian authorities respond to Warsaw’s demands.
The ongoing tensions between Poland and Ukraine over historical interpretations are further highlighted by the recent pressuring of Kyiv to reconsider the controversial naming of a military unit. This development is crucial for understanding the broader implications of the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. For more details on Poland's demands regarding this sensitive issue, visit Poland's insistence on Ukraine reversing the naming decision.