Zelenskyy Returns Poland’s Highest Honor Amid Dispute Over WWII History

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland’s prestigious state award after Polish President Karol Nawrocki rescinded it due to a renewed controversy surrounding World War II events. Zelenskyy indicated in a social media post that the award was originally intended for the Ukrainian people and their army.

“Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve,” Zelenskyy stated.

The message, shared on X, featured images of the Polish order alongside a postal receipt confirming its dispatch to the Polish presidential office.

Earlier in December 2025, Presidents Nawrocki and Zelenskyy had attended an official ceremony in Warsaw. Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle after Zelenskyy named a military unit in honor of a paramilitary group accused in Poland of wartime atrocities against Poles.

In 2023, Zelenskyy had received the honor from former Polish President Andrzej Duda for his contributions to security, resilience, and human rights defense. However, a recent decree by Zelenskyy named a Special Operations Forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group accused in Poland of wartime massacres.

Nawrocki noted on social media that this act stirred criticism due to the UPA’s involvement in crimes against Polish citizens during the war. Despite Poland’s support for Ukraine against Russia, Nawrocki underscored that the revocation did not imply diminished support for Ukraine.

Amid growing prejudice against Ukrainians in Poland, Ukraine expressed gratitude and willingness to address historical disagreements. Zelenskyy emphasized pride in the Ukrainian populace and military.

Ukrainian officials, including presidential office chief Kyrylo Budanov, labeled Nawrocki’s action as “unfriendly” and advantageous to Russia. Several Ukrainian officials opted to return Polish honors.

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk criticized the returns, suggesting that they were not solutions to Nawrocki’s decision.

The tension could overshadow an upcoming event in Poland focused on Ukraine’s reconstruction, which Zelenskyy planned to attend. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk advised both leaders to mitigate emotions and avoid escalating tensions.

Zelenskyy’s decree aimed to acknowledge military traditions and the unit’s role in defending Ukraine’s independence. While the UPA fought against Nazi and Soviet forces for Ukrainian independence, accusations of extensive Polish civilian casualties remain.

In 2016, Poland’s legislature recognized UPA-led actions as genocide, pointing to significant civilian losses among Poles and Ukrainians during wartime encounters. Both sides acknowledge violence led to mass casualties.

Recent progress on exhumation discussions between Poland and Ukraine appeared promising. A meeting in Warsaw last December suggested advancement towards historical reconciliation.