Zelensky returns highest Polish honour after award stripped
Summary
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky returned Poland's highest honor after Poland's President Karol Nawrocki said he was taking it back. The issue began when Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group seen differently by Ukraine and Poland due to its controversial World War Two history.Key Facts
- Zelensky received the Order of the White Eagle from Poland in 2023.
- Poland decided to strip Zelensky of this honor after Ukraine named an army unit after the UPA.
- The UPA fought against the Soviets, Nazis, and Polish authorities during the 1940s and 1950s.
- Many Ukrainians view the UPA as heroes of independence.
- Poland accuses the UPA of killing about 100,000 ethnic Poles in Volhynia during 1943-45.
- Zelensky said Ukraine wants to maintain good relations with Poland despite disagreements about history.
- Poland remains a key supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, providing aid and shelter to refugees.
- Polish leaders called for calm to avoid worsening relations and noted that tensions would please Russia.
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