Warsaw escalates demands on Kyiv over UPA honors: what Poland now wants from Ukraine.

today, 04:00 251

today, 04:00 251

Poland pressures Ukraine on UPA

Rising tensions between Poland and Ukraine

According to Espreso.tv: Friction between Warsaw and Kyiv has intensified after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on May 26, 2026, granting the honorary designation 'Named after the Heroes of the UPA' to the Special Operations Center 'North.' The move sparked outrage among Polish politicians, notably MEP Piotr Müller, who stated that

“this latest step by the Ukrainian president harms Polish-Ukrainian relations.”

On May 27, 2026, Polish official Nawrocki announced plans to strip Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, marking the first retaliatory measure. A session of the Order of the White Eagle Chapter convened on June 8, 2026, to deliberate revoking the award. By June 19, 2026, Nawrocki formally rescinded Zelensky's order, and on June 20, the Ukrainian president confirmed he had returned the medal. Nawrocki's office acknowledged receipt of the order on June 22, 2026.

Impact on future diplomatic ties

This crisis has boosted Nawrocki's approval rating, which reached 54.8% by June 26, 2026. Another Polish politician, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, declared on June 30, 2026, that Poland would block Ukraine's EU accession unless it abandons the commemoration of OUN and UPA figures.

Commenting on Nawrocki's actions, Zelensky argued they are driven

“purely by electoral motives.”

Meanwhile, Piotr Müller expressed hope that 'this time, the entire Polish political class will understand that a tough, persistent policy is needed here.' These events underscore the growing rift between the neighboring countries, which could complicate future diplomatic relations.

Poland and Ukraine have long navigated a complex relationship shaped by World War II-era history and the legacy of Ukrainian nationalist groups. The current standoff poses a serious challenge for Ukraine's foreign policy, given that Poland is a key ally in Kyiv's push for Euro-Atlantic integration. The escalating tension threatens to hinder Ukraine's already difficult path toward EU membership and could affect upcoming accession negotiations.