Zelenskyy Responds After Poland Revokes His Order of the White Eagle Over UPA Unit Naming.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Remarks on the Polish President’s Decision

According to Espreso.tv: Volodymyr Zelenskyy has addressed the decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip him of the Order of the White Eagle. The move came after a Ukrainian military unit was officially named after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Despite the controversy, Ukraine has expressed gratitude for Poland’s continued support.

On May 26, 2023, Zelenskyy signed a decree granting the honorary designation “named after the Heroes of the UPA” to the Separate Center for Special Operations “North” within Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. This prompted a swift reaction from Polish authorities. On May 29, 2023, Nawrocki announced his intention to revoke Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle. The decision was finalized on June 19, 2023, when the Polish president confirmed the revocation.

“The Order of the White Eagle is no ordinary distinction. It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland.”

Karol Nawrocki

In response, Zelenskyy stated: “We believed that in 2023, the Order of the White Eagle was addressed to the Ukrainian people and our army.”

On June 5, 2023, Donald Tusk asserted that responsibility for resolving the tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw rested solely with the Ukrainian side. A meeting of the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle took place on June 8, 2023, marking another key moment in the evolving diplomatic situation.

Strained Relations Between Ukraine and Poland

The atmosphere between Ukraine and Poland remains tense, though officials from both nations continue to stress the importance of maintaining support and cooperation amid difficult circumstances.

This incident highlights the complexity of Ukrainian-Polish relations, shaped by both historical disputes and modern challenges. Despite the friction, both countries are working to preserve dialogue and collaboration—a dynamic that carries significant weight for regional security and stability in Eastern Europe. How events unfold next could reshape the political climate in the region, particularly affecting ties between Ukraine, Poland, and neighboring states.