Zelensky Faces Potential Revocation of Poland's Highest Honor Over UPA Heroes Naming Decision.

Escalating Tensions Between Ukraine and Poland

According to Espreso.tv: A dispute has erupted between Ukraine and Poland following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to bestow the honorary title 'Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)' upon the Special Operations Center 'North.' This move has drawn sharp criticism from Polish leadership, with President Karol Nawrocki announcing plans to strip Zelensky of Poland's most prestigious award, the Order of the White Eagle.

On May 26, 2026, Zelensky signed a decree renaming the unit, a decision that quickly inflamed bilateral relations. Just three days later, on May 29, 2026, Polish President Karol Nawrocki declared his intention to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from the Ukrainian leader, directly linking the action to the naming controversy. The UPA, a World War II-era partisan group, remains a deeply contentious symbol in Polish-Ukrainian historical memory.

Further Escalation and Political Fallout

The situation worsened on June 5, 2026, when Polish opposition leader Donald Tusk argued that responsibility for resolving the conflict between Kyiv and Warsaw rests solely with Ukraine. Tusk warned that

“the conflict between Poland and Ukraine pleases Putin and shocks our allies,”

“if we quarrel over the past, someone else will win the future.”

On June 19, 2026, Nawrocki formally decided to withdraw the Order of the White Eagle from Zelensky, a move that requires final approval from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. In response to the growing rift, Polish politician Krzysztof Bosak called for blocking Ukraine's accession to the European Union, introducing a new layer of tension to an already strained relationship.

Zelensky must take these developments seriously, as they could have lasting repercussions for Ukraine's foreign policy. Włodzimierz Czarzasty noted that

“it is in Poland's interest to maintain good relations with Ukraine,”

This conflict underscores the sensitivity of historical issues in Ukrainian-Polish relations, which can significantly influence the region's political climate. With international tensions rising and alliances under pressure, both countries urgently need to pursue constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation. Maintaining strong ties between Kyiv and Warsaw is critical for regional stability and for Ukraine's future integration into European structures.