Polish President Karol Nawrocki has revoked the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state decoration, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The decision was taken after the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was named in honor of the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
“For the overwhelming majority of Polish society, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) remains, above all, a formation responsible for brutal crimes committed against citizens of the Republic of Poland during the Second World War,” Nawrocki said in a video address.
Nawrocki stated that assigning the name of the Heroes of the UPA to a military unit goes beyond Ukraine’s internal affairs. Poland had pointed out the importance of the issue to Ukraine and communicated its position, but the Ukrainian side chose not to change its decision.
The Polish president described the decision by the Ukrainian authorities as outrageous and deeply disappointing.
“It strikes not only at historical memory. It also strikes at the trust that has been built over years and in recent months. It undermines the foundation of reconciliation. It undermines the belief that truth can be the common language of our nations,” Nawrocki said.
Nawrocki emphasized that the Order of the White Eagle is a special distinction that requires respect for the values of Polish society.
The Polish president stressed that his decision is not directed against the Ukrainian people and does not signify any change in the strategic direction of Poland’s security policy.
“We have supported and continue to support Ukraine because we understand that Russian aggression poses a threat to the security of Poland and all of Europe. Nothing has changed in that assessment,” Nawrocki noted.
He stressed that Poland will defend the memory of its citizens and uphold its national interests and values. He called on Ukraine to come to terms with the difficult chapters of its history before joining the European Union.
“Therefore, today’s decision is not only symbolic in nature. It is also a warning signal. There are boundaries in Polish-Ukrainian relations that must not be crossed. It is also an appeal to our neighbors: return to the path of truth and mutual respect,” Nawrocki said.
“We have supported and continue to support Ukraine because we understand that Russian aggression poses a threat to the security of Poland and all of Europe. Nothing has changed in that assessment.”
