Diplomatic Crisis Erupts Between Ukraine and Poland Over UPA Decree
President Zelenskyy's decision to name a special operations unit after the WWII-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army has triggered a sharp diplomatic dispute, threatening a key alliance.
The Decree and Its Justification
On May 27, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a decree naming the Independent Special Operations Centre "North" as "Heroes of the UPA," referring to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)—a World War II-era partisan group.
The decree cited a need to "restore the historical traditions of the national army" and honor the army's defense of Ukraine.
The UPA fought for Ukrainian independence during and after World War II. It is revered in parts of Ukraine for its resistance to Soviet domination. However, the group initially allied with Nazi Germany and was responsible for the Volhynia massacres, in which an estimated 100,000 ethnic Poles were killed. Poland regards these events as genocide.
Polish Reactions
"Ukraine is not ready to be part of the European family." — Polish President Karol Nawrocki
President Nawrocki announced he would initiate proceedings to strip President Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honor, which was awarded to Zelenskyy in 2023. The Chapter of the Order, an advisory council, is scheduled to meet on June 8 to discuss the proposal, with the final decision resting with President Nawrocki.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that President Zelenskyy's decision "violates our historical sensitivity" but called for restraint. He warned that conflict between Poland and Ukraine benefits only Russia and distanced himself from the suggestion to revoke the order.
The Polish foreign ministry stated the renaming "wounds the memory of the victims" and is viewed "in an unequivocally negative light." Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki submitted a formal protest to the Ukrainian ambassador.
Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa removed a Ukrainian flag badge from his chest in protest, stating he will continue to help Ukraine but does not support President Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian Responses
President Zelenskyy returned the Order of the White Eagle, stating the award was intended for the Ukrainian people.
In a show of solidarity, multiple Ukrainian officials returned their own Polish honors:
- Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit)
- Head of the presidential office Kyrylo Budanov (Officer's Cross)
- Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar (Officer's Cross)
- Former presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko (Order of the White Eagle)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the Polish decision as a "strategic mistake" that benefits Russia.
Russian Reaction
Russian official Dmitry Medvedev welcomed President Nawrocki's decision, stating it confirms his government's claims about Ukraine's alleged ties to Nazism.
Background and Context
The UPA has been a recurring source of tension between Ukraine and Poland. Historical disputes over territory and the Volhynia massacres have complicated bilateral relations.
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland became one of Ukraine's key allies. It hosted over one million Ukrainian refugees and served as a major logistics hub for the transit of Western military and humanitarian aid. Polish public sentiment regarding support for Ukraine has recently become more divided, particularly among right-wing groups.
The dispute threatens a key bilateral relationship. The upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for June 25-26 in Gdansk, depends on continued Polish cooperation. President Nawrocki faces a decision on the honors revocation, while Prime Minister Tusk faces a political dilemma: countersigning a revocation decree would damage ties with Ukraine, while refusing could be portrayed as ignoring Polish public sentiment.