**Poland Demands Zelensky Renounce Honor for WWII Nationalist Militias**
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has issued a stern ultimatum to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, demanding that he renounce the honoring of nationalist militias linked to the massacre of Polish civilians during World War II. This diplomatic tension has escalated since Zelensky's recent decision to rename an elite commando unit after "the heroes of the UPA," referencing the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which was associated with the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN).
The OUN aimed to establish an ethnically pure Ukrainian state and historically categorized Poles, Jews, Russians, and other minorities as adversaries. During the early stages of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, the OUN collaborated with German forces. The UPA, which emerged in 1942 following a schism with the Nazis, is estimated to have killed up to 100,000 Polish civilians, an act that Poland officially recognizes as genocide.
In response to Zelensky's actions, Nawrocki has supported a proposal by Polish MP Grzegorz Płaczek to revoke Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle, the highest honor awarded by Poland, which was conferred upon the Ukrainian leader by former President Andrzej Duda earlier this year.
Reports from Rzeczpospolita indicate that Nawrocki's timeline for Zelensky to address this issue is short, stating that the deadline is "measured more in days than in weeks." Marcin Przydacz, head of the presidential International Policy Office, emphasized that the situation is now in Ukraine's hands, warning that a lack of a positive response would lead to a decision from the Polish president.
Presidential spokesman Rafal Leskiewicz reiterated Nawrocki's expectations, calling for Zelensky to reverse what he described as a "shameful act." He stated, "We will wait a few more days. Let’s not give in to pressure."
Despite this diplomatic rift, Poland remains one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies in the ongoing conflict with Russia, providing crucial support through troop training and arms deliveries. However, the glorification of the UPA and similar groups in Ukraine has been a longstanding point of contention, particularly for Russia, which has condemned such celebrations as a form of neo-Nazism and has included "denazification" as one of its stated objectives in the conflict.
In Ukraine, the UPA and other nationalist factions from the World War II era are often celebrated as freedom fighters. Streets and public buildings bear their names, and annual torchlit marches are held in Kyiv to commemorate Stepan Bandera, a prominent OUN leader.
As the deadline approaches, the international community watches closely to see how this situation will unfold, particularly in light of Poland's critical role in supporting Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia.