Zelensky Returns Poland's Highest National Honor Amid Historical Dispute

Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has returned Poland's highest national honor, the 'Order of the White Eagle'. The dispute, linked to World War II history, has reignited after the Polish President revoked the honor. Zelensky informed via social media that he has sent the honor back to the Polish President's office. He believes this honor was given not to him personally, but to the Ukrainian people and army. 'I believe that the future will confirm the honor that Ukrainians deserve,' he wrote in a social media post. Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to withdraw the honor given to Zelensky. The reason for this was the Ukrainian President's naming of a unit of his country's special military force after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA was a nationalist armed organization active in the 1940s and 1950s. In Poland, this group is accused of murdering thousands of Polish citizens during World War II. In a 13-minute address on social media, Nawrocki said, 'For the majority of Polish society, the UPA is an organization that committed brutal crimes against citizens of the Polish Republic during World War II.' Ukraine has received significant support from Poland since Russia's invasion in 2022. Poland has sheltered millions of Ukrainian refugees and is considered one of Ukraine's key allies. However, decisions related to the UPA have brought historical pain and controversy to the surface in Poland. According to analysts, nationalist politician Nawrocki has also been using anti-Ukrainian sentiment for electoral gain. In recent years, Ukrainians residing in Poland have faced increasing discrimination in some areas. Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, criticized Poland's decision as an unfriendly step towards the Ukrainian people. He stated that this decision would provide propaganda material for Russia. Four Ukrainian high officials, including Budanov, have also announced they will return the national honors given to them by Poland. However, not all Ukrainian leaders have supported Zelensky's move. Former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said that a wrong decision should not be answered with another wrong decision. According to him, restraint is necessary to preserve the relationship between the two countries. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged both sides to reduce emotional reactions and not escalate tensions. An international conference on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction is scheduled to be held in Poland next week, which President Zelensky is expected to attend.