Zelensky stripped of highest Polish honour over WW2 name of army unit
Summary
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was stripped of Poland's highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, because Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group controversial for actions during World War II. Poland views the UPA as responsible for the killing of many ethnic Poles, while many Ukrainians see the UPA as heroes fighting for their country's independence.Key Facts
- President Zelensky received the Order of the White Eagle from Polish President Andrzej Duda in 2023.
- Poland removed the honor after Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
- The UPA fought during World War II and is seen by many Ukrainians as freedom fighters against Soviet, Nazi, and Polish forces.
- Poland accuses the UPA of carrying out a genocide against ethnic Poles in the Volhynia region in 1943-45, with about 100,000 Poles killed.
- Polish President Karol Nawrocki called Ukraine’s decision to honor the UPA "outrageous" and "deeply disappointing."
- Despite the dispute, Poland says it will continue supporting Ukraine against Russia.
- Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Poland's decision as a "strategic mistake" and said it benefits Russia.
- Ukraine aims to join the European Union and is involved in early membership talks.
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