Karol Nawrocki, President of Poland, has said that he will revoke the “White Eagle” order, Poland’s highest and oldest state decoration, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Polish president said in a statement on Friday, June 19, that naming one of Ukraine’s military units after UPA criminals carries significance that extends far beyond Ukraine’s internal affairs.
He stated that for the overwhelming majority of Polish society, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) remains, above all, a formation responsible for the brutal crimes committed against citizens of the Republic of Poland during World War II.
The Polish president described Ukraine’s action as contrary to the values of Poland and Europe.
The “White Eagle” order was awarded to the Ukrainian president by the Polish government in 2023.