Poland-Ukraine diplomatic crisis over Zelensky honoring controversial UPA unit
Ukrainian President Zelensky named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which Poland accuses of massacring up to 100,000 Polish civilians in the 1943 Volhynia genocide. Polish President Nawrocki proposed revoking Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle, and PM Tusk warned the dispute aids Russia. The move strains wartime alliance, inflames historical grievances, and risks bilateral cooperation.
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Poland commemorates Volhynia massacre victims amid renewed tensions with Ukraine
Poland held commemorations on the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynia massacres, where Ukrainian nationalist forces killed tens of thousands of Polish civilians during WWII. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a Wall of Remembrance in Warsaw with an eternal flame and names of identified victims. The event occurs amid renewed diplomatic tensions after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy approved naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), prompting Poland to strip him of a state honor and the European Parliament to pass a resolution criticizing the move. Despite the dispute, Poland continues military support for Ukraine, recently sending Patriot interceptors. Tusk called for solidarity and urged Ukraine to address the massacre issue as part of its EU integration path.
EuractivPoland commemorates Volhynia massacre victims amid renewed tensions with Ukraine
Poland held commemorations for the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynia massacres, where Ukrainian nationalists killed tens of thousands of Polish civilians during WWII. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a Wall of Remembrance in Warsaw with an eternal flame and names of identified victims. The event occurs amid renewed diplomatic tensions after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy approved naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), prompting Poland's president to strip Zelenskyy of a state honor. The European Parliament passed a resolution criticizing Ukraine's move. Despite the dispute, Poland continues to support Ukraine militarily, recently sending US Patriot interceptors to Kyiv. Tusk called for solidarity and urged Ukraine to address the massacre issue as part of its EU membership path.
EuractivPoland commemorates Volhynia massacre victims amid renewed tensions with Ukraine
Poland held commemorations for the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynia massacres, where Ukrainian nationalists killed tens of thousands of Polish civilians during WWII. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a Wall of Remembrance in Warsaw with an eternal flame and names of identified victims. The event occurs amid renewed diplomatic tensions after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy approved naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which Poland considers a nationalist organization responsible for genocide. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of Poland's highest honor, and the European Parliament passed a resolution criticizing the move. Despite the dispute, Poland continues military support for Ukraine, recently sending Patriot interceptors. Tusk called for solidarity against common threats and suggested Ukraine must address the massacre issue as part of its EU integration path.
EuractivPolish-Ukrainian WW2 Dispute Escalates into Medal Spat
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Poland have soured significantly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named an elite military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which Poland considers a genocidal force for killing up to 100,000 Poles during WWII. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest civilian honor, awarded in 2023 to the Ukrainian nation. Zelensky retaliated by returning the medal via courier, and other Ukrainian officials followed suit. The dispute threatened a high-level recovery conference in Gdańsk, which Zelensky skipped, though Ukraine still secured over €10 billion in support. Analysts suggest Nawrocki's move was partly aimed at undermining Prime Minister Donald Tusk domestically. Both sides have warned the quarrel weakens unity against Russia.
EUobserverPolish-Ukrainian WWII Dispute Sparks Return of Medals and Honors
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Poland have deteriorated significantly due to a dispute over World War II history. The conflict began when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named an elite military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which is revered in Ukraine but blamed for mass killings of Poles in Volhynia and Galicia. Polish President Karol Nawrocki responded by stripping Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest civilian honor, awarded in 2023 to the Ukrainian nation. Zelensky returned the medal via courier, accusing Nawrocki of exploiting anti-Ukrainian sentiment ahead of elections. Other Ukrainian officials followed suit. The spat partially overshadowed a recovery conference in Gdańsk, though Ukraine still secured over €10 billion in international support. Polish PM Donald Tusk warned the quarrel benefits Russia. Despite tensions, both nations maintain their basic alliance framework, with Poland remaining a key Ukrainian backer.
EUobserverZelenskyy Misses Ukraine Recovery Conference Amid Diplomatic Spat with Poland
A high-level conference in Poland on Ukraine's recovery was overshadowed by the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a result of a diplomatic dispute between Kyiv and Warsaw. Poland was angered by Zelenskyy's decision to name a military unit after the nationalist Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which participated in WWII massacres of Poles. Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's highest honor. Ukraine's delegation was led by its prime minister instead. European leaders at the conference, including Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized support for Ukraine and its path to EU membership, pending domestic reforms. The article also covers other EU news, including digital market regulation, livestock emissions rules, and security priorities on the Eastern Flank.
EuractivUkraine recovery conference proceeds without Zelenskyy amid Poland diplomatic row
A Ukraine recovery conference opened in Gdańsk, Poland, without President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was absent due to a diplomatic dispute with Poland over naming a Ukrainian military unit 'Heroes of the UPA'. Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, leading Zelenskyy and several Ukrainian officials to return Polish honors. Polish PM Donald Tusk did not address the absence, instead invoking Gdańsk's history of resilience. Ukrainian PM Yulia Svyrydenko thanked Poland for its support. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed a first tranche of the €90 billion Ukraine loan and noted Ukraine's EU accession remains 'merit-based' but is becoming a reality. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for negotiations to 'freeze the front line and end the killing', while European Council President António Costa stressed that only Ukrainians can define peace.
EuractivUkraine recovery conference in Gdańsk overshadowed by diplomatic row and Zelenskyy's absence
A Ukraine recovery conference opened in Gdańsk, Poland, without President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who stayed away following a diplomatic spat with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The dispute erupted after Zelenskyy named a Ukrainian military unit 'Heroes of the UPA,' prompting Nawrocki to revoke Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle; Zelenskyy returned the award, and several Ukrainian officials followed suit. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk opened the conference by emphasizing historical reconciliation. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko thanked Poland for its support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the first tranche of the EU's €90 billion loan to Ukraine and stated that EU accession remains 'merit-based' but is 'becoming a reality.' European Council President António Costa insisted that peace must be defined by Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for negotiations to freeze the front line and end the killing.
EuractivZelenskyy Cancels Ukraine Recovery Conference Attendance in Poland Amid Military Unit Dispute
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cancelled his planned attendance at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, due to a diplomatic dispute over naming an army unit after fighters from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The controversy has strained Polish-Ukrainian relations, as many Poles view UPA members as criminals responsible for wartime massacres. Instead, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will lead the delegation. The decision has drawn mixed reactions: Ukrainian opposition politician Solomiia Bobrovska praised it as a pragmatic step to reduce tensions, while the Ukrainian outlet Ukrainska Pravda argued Zelenskyy should attend to support pro-Ukraine forces in Poland, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The conference, now in its fifth year, focuses on post-war reconstruction.
taz.de - taz.deZelenskyy to Skip Ukraine Recovery Conference Amid Diplomatic Spat with Poland
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, Poland, this week, amid a deepening diplomatic row over World War II historical memory. The crisis was triggered by Zelenskyy's decree naming a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which carried out massacres of Poles during WWII. Poland's nationalist president, Karol Nawrocki, responded by revoking Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, prompting several Ukrainian officials to return their Polish awards. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, though an ally of Ukraine, blamed Kyiv for the dispute and urged a reversal of the decree. Zelenskyy accused Polish politicians of exploiting the issue for domestic political gain ahead of parliamentary elections. Ukraine will be represented by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to avoid further politicization. The conference, previously held in other European cities, was intended to solidify Poland's role as a key ally and logistics hub for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and peace efforts.
EuractivZelenskyy to skip Ukraine recovery conference in Poland amid WWII memory dispute
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, Poland, this week due to a worsening diplomatic row over historical memory. The dispute began after Zelenskyy named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group that massacred Poles during World War II. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of Poland's highest honor, prompting Ukrainian officials to return their Polish awards. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, despite being an ally of Ukraine, blamed Kyiv for the crisis and urged Zelenskyy to reverse the decision. Zelenskyy defended the move, saying it followed requests from Ukrainian soldiers, and accused Polish politicians of exploiting the issue for domestic political gain ahead of elections. Ukraine's delegation will be led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to avoid politicization. The conference aims to discuss post-war reconstruction, and the spat threatens to undermine Warsaw's role as a key Ukrainian ally.
EuractivZelenskyy Cancels Trip to Poland After WWII Massacre Dispute Escalates
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cancelled his participation in the Ukraine recovery conference in Gdańsk, Poland, amid a deepening diplomatic dispute over World War II history. The conflict began when Zelenskyy awarded a Ukrainian military unit the title 'Heroes of the UPA', honoring the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) which carried out massacres of tens of thousands of Poles and Jews during WWII. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honor, which he received in 2023. Ukraine retaliated by returning several Polish awards. The reconstruction conference, co-hosted with Poland and expected to include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will now be led by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. The dispute also reflects domestic political tensions in Poland between President Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as well as growing Ukraine fatigue among some Poles. Leading media in both countries have issued a joint appeal for restraint and dialogue.
Nachrichten - WELTPoland-Ukraine Relations Deteriorate Over Wartime History Dispute
Poland, historically one of Ukraine's strongest European allies, is experiencing a significant rift as a dispute over wartime history intensifies. The conflict escalated when Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle previously awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This action marks a broader shift in Polish politics, where support for Ukraine is becoming increasingly contentious. The row highlights growing tensions between the two nations, potentially impacting regional stability and the broader Western alliance against Russia. The article underscores how historical grievances are reshaping contemporary political dynamics in Eastern Europe.
EuractivZelensky Returns Polish White Eagle Order Amid Escalating Historical Dispute
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demonstratively returned the Order of the White Eagle to Poland after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the award amid a dispute over historical interpretation of World War II massacres. Zelensky announced the decision on X, criticizing that the same honor had been given to individuals like Tsarina Catherine II, Benito Mussolini, and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. He struck a conciliatory note, expressing openness to future cooperation. Three former Ukrainian presidents—Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko—also renounced their Polish orders in solidarity. Additionally, the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced they would return Polish state awards, condemning the move as an unfriendly gesture and a gift to Russia. The diplomatic row highlights deepening tensions between the two neighboring allies over sensitive historical narratives.
Nachrichten - WELTZelenskyy Returns Poland's Highest Honor Amid Escalating Historical Dispute Over Wartime Unit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland's highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, after Polish President Andrzej Duda revoked it. The diplomatic rift stems from Ukraine's decision to rename a special forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a WWII nationalist group accused by Poland of massacring tens of thousands of Polish civilians in the Volhynia region between 1943-1944. The UPA also fought against Soviet and Nazi forces, making it a complex figure in Ukrainian history. Duda condemned the renaming as historically unacceptable and damaging to bilateral relations. Zelenskyy defended the unit's name, citing its service in the current war against Russia. The incident threatens the robust alliance between the two neighbors, which has been crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, with Poland acting as a key military supply hub and advocate for Ukraine's EU and NATO aspirations.
Top stories - Google NewsPoland's President Nawrocki Revokes Zelenskyy's Highest State Order Amid UPA Awards Dispute
On June 20, 2026, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest decoration, citing Ukraine's decision to award the honorary title 'Heroes of the UPA' to a Ukrainian military unit. The UPA is deeply controversial in Poland due to its role in the Volhynia massacre of Poles during World War II. Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa condemned Ukraine's move as an insult. However, Nawrocki's decision faced domestic criticism: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned against escalating tensions, arguing it benefits Russia, while Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski noted the order had previously been awarded to controversial figures including Mussolini and Catherine the Great. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the revocation a 'strategic mistake' and returned his own Polish award, as did presidential aide Kyrylo Budanov. The dispute highlights fragile bilateral relations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
taz.de - taz.dePoland and Ukraine Dispute: President Nawrocki Revokes Zelenskyy's Highest State Decoration
Poland's right-wing President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 20, 2026, following Ukraine's decision to award a military unit the honorary title 'Heroes of the UPA.' The UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) is viewed negatively in Poland due to its role in the Volhynia massacre during World War II. Nawrocki stated the move is not against the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed Poland's support against Russia. However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski criticized the decision, warning it escalates tensions and benefits Moscow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and presidential administration head Kyrylo Budanov also condemned the act and announced returning their own Polish awards.
taz.de - taz.dePoland's president strips Zelenskyy of top award, escalating WWII memory row with Ukraine
Poland's hard-right President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, escalating a dispute over World War II memory. The move came after Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which participated in massacres of Poles in Volhynia between 1943 and 1945. The decision was made despite appeals from Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Kyiv not to escalate tensions. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the action as a 'strategic mistake' that only benefits Moscow and said he would return his own Polish award. The row threatens Poland's hosting of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, with Zelenskyy's attendance uncertain. Tusk called for solidarity and warned against letting historical disputes undermine future cooperation. Poland has been a key ally of Ukraine during the Russian invasion, hosting refugees and serving as a logistics hub.
EuractivPoland Strips Zelenskyy of Order Amid History Dispute
A diplomatic row over historical narratives during World War II is escalating between Poland and Ukraine. Polish President Nawrocki has revoked a high state order previously awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Taras Schamaida, a Polish expert on memory culture, describes the move as 'Poland's unilateral portrayal of Ukraine as the perpetrator is unacceptable.' Schamaida points to war crimes committed by both Polish and Ukrainian factions during the WWII period, suggesting the dispute is rooted in complex historical grievances rather than current policy. The revocation of the order signifies a deepening rift between the two neighboring nations, which have been close allies in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The incident underscores how unresolved historical issues continue to affect contemporary geopolitical relationships.
Nachrichten - WELTPoland Revokes Zelenskyy's Highest State Award Over Dispute with Ukrainian Army Unit Name
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle, the country's highest state award, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 19, 2026. The decision stems from Zelenskyy's May 2026 decision to rename a Ukrainian army unit as 'Heroes of the UPA,' honoring the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which fought Soviet rule after WWII but also committed massacres against tens of thousands of Poles and Jews during the war. The move sparked bipartisan outrage in Poland. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced he would return a high state award given to him by Poland in 2022, calling the revocation a strategic mistake benefiting Moscow. The diplomatic rift threatens to overshadow a major reconstruction conference for Ukraine, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine in Gdansk on June 25-26, involving the EU, G7, and other donors.
Nachrichten - WELT