Zelensky Returns Poland's Highest Honor After Controversy Over Ukrainian Insurgent Army Naming

Statement from Poland's Prime Minister

According to Главком: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky understands that decisions to glorify the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) by naming military units after it will not gain approval in Poland. Tusk emphasized that such decisions, which touch on shared history, cannot be supported regardless of political affiliation. He also noted that Ukraine's role and responsibility lie in showing respect for allies like Poland and in the necessity of considering each other's sensitivities.

Decision by Poland's President

Polish President Andrzej Duda made the decision to strip Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle. This decision was made on the evening of June 19, 2023, and was prompted by the naming of one Ukrainian unit after the UPA. Duda declared that Poland will not allow entry into the European Union for those who fail to understand the need to abandon the cult of totalitarianism and violence.

On June 20, Zelensky announced that he had sent the order back to Duda by mail. It is worth noting that several former Ukrainian presidents have also renounced the Polish Order of the White Eagle, including:

• Leonid Kuchma
• Viktor Yushchenko
• Petro Poroshenko

Each expressed their stance on this award as a protest against actions deemed unacceptable.

Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski expressed concern over the mass outflow of Ukrainians, noting that this could lead to serious problems in key sectors of the Polish economy. The issue of glorifying the UPA and its impact on Polish-Ukrainian relations remains relevant and sparks debate in both countries.

This situation highlights the complexity of Polish-Ukrainian relations, which are built on a shared history that continues to provoke controversy. The glorification of the UPA, which is important to part of Ukrainian society, simultaneously raises serious concerns in Poland, where the memory of victims from both sides of the conflict remains a sensitive topic. In this context, as Tusk noted, it is crucial to maintain mutual respect and consider historical contexts.

The ongoing tensions surrounding the naming of military units in Ukraine reflect deeper historical issues that impact diplomatic relations. As the situation develops, Poland's insistence on reversing this military unit's designation highlights the delicate balance both nations must maintain while navigating their shared past and mutual interests.