Poland Stripped Zelenskyy of Its Highest State Award: Navrotsky Explained Why
20 June 00:10
Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been stripped of the Order of the White Eagle—Poland’s highest state award. Nawrocki made the announcement on the evening of June 19 on the social media platform X, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The decision still requires the signature of the Polish prime minister to take effect.
Why Was Zelenskyy Stripped of the Award?
The Polish president’s decision was prompted by Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decree naming a Ukrainian military unit after the Heroes of the UPA.
Warsaw stated that for a significant portion of Polish society, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army is primarily associated with the tragic events in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia during World War II.
Navrotsky stated that the Order of the White Eagle is not merely an award, but a symbol of Poland’s highest trust. It signifies a special bond with the Polish state and the gratitude of the Polish people.
“Such a symbol requires not only merit but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our community… Therefore, in light of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to name one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine ‘Heroes of the UPA,’ after consulting with the Chapter, I have decided to strip the President of Ukraine of the Order of the White Eagle,” the Polish president stated.
Karol Nawrocki stated that there are historical boundaries in Polish-Ukrainian relations which, in his opinion, must not be crossed.
The issue of revoking the award was previously considered by the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle. Following consultations, the President of Poland made the final decision.
When Zelenskyy Received the Order of the White Eagle
Volodymyr Zelenskyy was awarded the Order of the White Eagle on April 5, 2023, during an official visit to Warsaw.
The award was presented by then-Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Zelenskyy was honored for his contribution to deepening friendly and comprehensive relations between Poland and Ukraine, developing cooperation for the sake of democracy, peace, and security in Europe, as well as for his steadfastness in defending human rights.
During the ceremony, Zelenskyy stated that he viewed the award as a tribute to the entire Ukrainian people and the military personnel defending the country’s independence.
What is known about the Order of the White Eagle
The Order of the White Eagle is Poland’s oldest and highest state award.
It is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the Polish state and who contribute to the development of international cooperation, peace, democracy, and the protection of human rights.
The decision to award or revoke the order is made by the President of Poland. Before revoking the award, the head of state must obtain the opinion of the relevant chapter.
Revocation of the Order of the White Eagle is an extremely rare procedure. In the history of the award, such decisions have practically never been made.
Why the UPA Is a Source of Controversy Between Ukraine and Poland
Ukraine and Poland have differing views on the activities of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
In Ukraine, the UPA is generally viewed as a participant in the national liberation struggle against the Soviet and Nazi occupation regimes.
In Poland, the focus is on the responsibility of members of the Ukrainian underground for the mass killings of the Polish civilian population in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia.
At the same time, thousands of Ukrainians also died during the Polish-Ukrainian conflict as a result of punitive and retaliatory actions by Polish armed units.
Differing views on these events regularly cause diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw.
How Poland Reacted
The decision to name a Ukrainian unit after the Heroes of the UPA was criticized by representatives of various Polish political forces.
President Karol Nawrocki called for Zelenskyy to be stripped of his award as early as late May. The Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle subsequently considered the matter.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also took a critical stance toward the Ukrainian side’s decision, but called for preventing the destruction of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation.
The Polish government emphasized that a conflict between Kyiv and Warsaw over historical issues could primarily benefit Russia.
Ukraine’s Position
The Ukrainian side explained that the unit’s name was intended to honor the UPA’s struggle against Moscow and to revive the historical traditions of the Ukrainian army.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called for a more measured tone in the discussion and for complex historical issues to be left to professional historians.
According to him, a deterioration in relations is not in the interests of either the Ukrainian or Polish peoples.
At the time the decision was announced, Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not publicly comment on it.
Will Poland’s Support for Ukraine Change?
Karol Nawrocki assured that stripping Zelenskyy of his award does not mean a change in Poland’s strategic course.
“We have supported and continue to support Ukraine because we know that Russian aggression poses a threat to the security of Poland and all of Europe. Nothing has changed in this assessment. Russia is the aggressor, and Putin is a criminal responsible for unleashing a war that has become Europe’s largest armed conflict since the end of World War II,” said the Polish leader.
Decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. pic.twitter.com/8gr1iRhM3y
— Office of the President of Poland (@prezydentpl) June 19, 2026
Poland also plays an important role in transporting military aid from other countries.
The decision still requires the signature of the Polish Prime Minister to take effect.
However, a new historical dispute could complicate political dialogue and affect the atmosphere of bilateral relations.
