The conflict between Poland and Ukraine over the glorification of the UPA. What is known?

What is known?

Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky of the country's highest state award - the Order of the White Eagle. The decision was made after Ukraine awarded the honorary title of “Heroes of the UPA” (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) to one of the units of the Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

🔵 Details . In his statement, Karol Nawrocki indicated that for Polish society, the UPA remains the main culprit in the brutal crimes committed against Polish citizens during the Second World War.

“The decision of the Ukrainian authorities to glorify the UPA is not only outrageous, but also incomprehensible and deeply disappointing. This is a blow not only to historical memory. This is also a blow to the trust that has been built over the years,” the Polish president said on June 19.

The politician noted that the decision “is not directed against the Ukrainian people” and does not mean “a change in the direction of Polish security policy.”

🔵 Ukraine's reaction. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga called Navortsky’s decision “a strategic mistake from which only Moscow will benefit.” He added that he was refusing his own award for services to Poland, received from the Polish president in 2022.

“Of course, this is a gift for the Moscow aggressor, which he will definitely use against both of our countries. Our peoples have long-standing relations and different pages of history - both heroic and tragic. However, this should be a reason for deep reflection, and not crude political speculation,” added the head of Zelensky’s office, Kirill Budanov, who also decided to refuse the award “For Services to Poland.”

🔵 What's next? For Nawrocki's decision to come into force, the approval of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Nawrocki's political opponent, is required. In his social networks, he called on Zelensky and Navrotsky to “reduce the intensity of emotions, and not fuel tension.” It is unknown from his statement what decision will ultimately be made.

🔵 Context . On May 26, Vladimir Zelensky assigned the name “after the Heroes of the UPA” to one of the special forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, explaining this by “restoring the historical traditions of the national army.” The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that this decision is not directed against Poland. In Warsaw, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army is accused of massacres of Poles. For many Ukrainians, the UPA is a symbol of the struggle for independence, DW notes.