"Historical truth is not something to be negotiated or traded. Because President Volodymyr Zelensky approved naming a Ukrainian military unit 'UPA heroes,' I have decided to revoke the Order of the White Eagle awarded to him," Polish President Karol Nawrocki said on 19/6.

The UPA was a nationalist insurgent group during World War II. This force fought against Nazi Germany, Soviet forces, and Polish units in the region.

The UPA is accused of involvement in the Volhynia massacres from 1943 to 1945. Poland asserts that about 100,000 Poles were killed by Ukrainian nationalist forces during this period. Thousands of Ukrainians also died in subsequent retaliatory actions.

According to Nawrocki, Poland had repeatedly urged Ukraine to choose a different name, but "Kiev's stance remained unchanged."

"I want to emphasize that this decision is not aimed at the Ukrainian people and does not reflect any change in Poland's strategic direction regarding security policy," Nawrocki added.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki speaks in Bucharest, Rumania on 12/5. Photo: *AFP*.

Ukraine previously explained that the UPA name was chosen by the special forces unit's soldiers, asserting they had no intention of offending or provoking Poland.

Zelensky was awarded the Order of the White Eagle by Polish President Andrzej Duda in 2023. The award recognized the Ukrainian leader's contributions "to bilateral relations, democracy, peace and security in Europe, as well as his steadfast defense of inalienable human rights." This is Poland's highest award.

President Zelensky's office has not yet commented on the development. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Poland's decision a "strategic mistake."

"We regret that instead of seeking a solution, the Polish side decided to escalate the conflict to an unacceptable and inappropriate level," Sybiha wrote on Facebook. "No foreign head of state can dictate or impose how we perceive history."

President Zelensky receives the Order of the White Eagle from then-Polish President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw in 2023. Photo: *President of Ukraine's Office*.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Nawrocki's political rival, sought to de-escalate the dispute between Warsaw and Kiev, urging both presidents to avoid further tensions.

"Conflict between Poland and Ukraine only benefits Russia and bewilders our allies. The task of President Zelensky and President Nawrocki is to de-escalate the situation, not to incite further tension. The front line is elsewhere," Tusk wrote on X.

By Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)