Poland's president takes order from Zelenskyj

President of Poland Karol Nawrocki has decided to revoke the highest Polish order, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This decision followed Zelenskyy's awarding of the title "Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army" (UPA) to a unit of Ukrainian special forces, which has drawn criticism in Poland. The UPA was responsible for the massacre of Poles during World War II. Nawrocki stated that the order represents Poland's highest trust and requires respect for the values that form the foundation of Polish society. He emphasized that the decision is not directed against the Ukrainian people but that Poland will not tolerate the glorification of those who killed Polish civilians. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Zelenskyy did not intend to offend Poland but showed "a lack of sensitivity."

This decision by the President of Poland has caused a diplomatic crisis and highlights complex historical relations between the two countries.