Polish president threatens to strip Ukraine’s Zelenskyy of top state honour
Summary
Poland’s president wants to discuss removing Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy’s top Polish honor after Ukraine named a military unit after a group blamed for killing Poles during World War II. This has upset many in Poland, despite its strong support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.Key Facts
- Ukraine named a special forces unit “Heroes of the UPA” after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
- The UPA is seen by some Ukrainians as fighters against Soviet and Nazi forces but is linked to massacres of about 100,000 Poles during 1943-1945.
- Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki is angered and wants to revoke the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest honor, from President Zelenskyy.
- The advisory council for this Polish honor will meet on June 8 to consider the issue.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the naming harms relations with Ukraine.
- Polish Nobel laureate Lech Walesa decided to stop wearing a Ukrainian flag pin in protest.
- Poland has been a key supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022 and helps deliver Western military aid.
- Ukraine’s Zelenskyy aims to unite his country by honoring historical nationalist figures, despite the controversy.
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