**Title: Poland Revokes Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle Amid Controversy Over UPA Tribute**
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has officially revoked the Order of the White Eagle, the country's highest state honor, previously awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This decision comes in response to Ukraine's recent naming of a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist group historically implicated in wartime atrocities against Poles and Jews during World War II.
In a video statement posted on social media platform X, Nawrocki emphasized the importance of historical truth, stating, “historical truth is not and can never be a bargaining chip.” He underscored the Polish state’s moral obligation to remember the victims of the UPA's actions, which Poland officially recognizes as genocide.
The tensions between Poland and Ukraine have escalated over the past weeks, particularly after Zelensky issued a decree in late May that conferred the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA” upon the Special Operations Center North. This designation has been met with significant backlash in Poland, where the UPA is viewed unfavorably due to its association with the mass murder of Polish citizens during the war.
Nawrocki articulated his disapproval of the decree, asserting that it crossed a “red line” for many Poles. He pointed out that the UPA is synonymous with the deaths of at least 100,000 Polish individuals, who were targeted solely based on their ethnicity or religion. “Facts are not subject to negotiation,” he stated, reinforcing his position that historical realities should not be altered for political convenience.
The Polish leader characterized the glorification of the UPA by Ukrainian authorities as “insulting, incomprehensible and deeply disappointing.” He expressed concern that naming a military unit after such a controversial group has implications that extend beyond Ukraine's internal matters.
The revocation of the honor has garnered support from various Polish political figures. Former Prime Minister Leszek Miller condemned Zelensky’s actions, describing the decree as “a spit in the face of Poles.” Similarly, former President Lech Walesa criticized the tribute, stating that it disrespects the memory of those Poles who suffered at the hands of the UPA.
This incident highlights the complex historical relationship between Poland and Ukraine, particularly regarding the sensitive issues of World War II and national identity. While Ukraine seeks to honor its historical narratives and military heritage, Poland remains vigilant about the implications of such actions on its own historical memory and national sentiment.
As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how this rift will affect diplomatic relations between the two countries, particularly in the context of their shared interests in regional security and cooperation.