Zelensky Faces Possible Revocation of Polish Honor Over UPA Naming Decree

Wed Jun 17 2026 08:26:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ukraine's UPA naming sparks diplomatic spat with Poland, threatening Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle.

Volodymyr Zelensky’s decree to name a Ukrainian Special Operations unit after the controversial Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) has ignited anger in Warsaw, leading President Karol Nawrocki to threaten revoking Zelensky’s recently awarded Order of the White Eagle. The UPA, viewed by Ukrainians as heroes of independence, is also accused by Poles of perpetrating a massacre in Volhynia during World War II, a history that fuels the current diplomatic crisis. Despite Ukrainian assertions that the decree honors national tradition, Poland’s government, supported by far‑right factions, sees it as a glorification of a “bandit” group. The situation has escalated to the point where Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, visited Warsaw unsuccessfully to ease tensions. The incident could jeopardise Poland’s support for Ukraine and influence the upcoming reconstruction conference in Gdańsk.

Zelensky Faces Possible Revocation of Polish Honor Over UPA Naming Decree

Ukraine’s new decree naming a Special Operations unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) has sparked deep turbulence between Kyiv and Warsaw. The move, aimed at honoring a group seen by many Ukrainians as anti‑Soviet freedom fighters, also resurrects painful memories for Poles who blame the UPA for massacres in Volhynia during World War II.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has already convened the Order of the White Eagle council and indicated that he may strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the honour, a gesture that could inflame the already strained bilateral relationship. Nawrocki described Zelensky’s decree as the “glorification of bandits and killers”, highlighting the stark divergence in historical perception between the two nations.

The controversy has resonated across the political spectrum in Poland, with far‑right figures demanding stronger action, including a halt to Starlink support and a blockade to Ukraine’s EU accession until the decree is rescinded. Meanwhile, pro‑Ukrainian politicians in Warsaw have condemned the decision, underscoring how deeply divided opinions on the UPA remain.

Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov flew to Warsaw last week to attempt a diplomatic settlement, but the mission appears faltered when Nawrocki called for further council deliberations and possible revocation of the White Eagle. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged for a direct conversation between the two heads of state to avoid the crisis spiralling further, emphasising that cooperation serves both nations while conflict serves Moscow.

The looming crisis might derail Poland’s support for Ukraine, especially as the country still hosts nearly a million Ukrainian refugees. A potential formal revocation could also embolden right‑wing factions that call into question the extent of Polish aid to Kyiv.

The Ukrainian side has yet to issue a formal rebuttal, apart from clarifying that the decree aimed to reinforce national army traditions and not to offend Poland. However, the diplomatic road ahead remains uncertain as both leaders balance historic sensitivities with current geopolitical dynamics.