"A rift between Polish and Ukrainian politicians is a strategic mistake that will damage both sides economically, geopolitically, and in terms of reputation. In politics, a strategically wrong step is more dangerous than committing a crime," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on 21/6. He added that he is actively working to de-escalate tensions and minimize losses during discussions with European partners, acknowledging it as a challenging endeavor.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk chaired an emergency session in 9/2025. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview posted on X on 21/6, countered that Ukraine and Poland "can only be partners and friends." He warned that political tensions could lead to "a very dangerous escalation." The underlying friction intensified after Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced on 19/6 the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest award, previously given to the Ukrainian president. This decision followed Zelensky's move to rename a military unit "UPA Heroes."

Zelensky defended the unit's name, stating, "Our servicemen choose a symbolic heroic name for their unit. As president and supreme commander-in-chief, I must support them." He emphasized Ukraine's importance to Poland's security: "Without Ukraine, no one will be able to defend Poland."

The "UPA Heroes" name refers to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist insurgent group active during World War II. The UPA fought against Nazi Germany, Soviet forces, and Polish units in the region. While some Ukrainians view UPA members as heroes, the group is accused of participating in the Volhynia massacres between 1943 and 1945. Poland estimates that approximately 100,000 Poles were killed by Ukrainian nationalist forces during this period, with thousands of Ukrainians dying in subsequent retaliatory attacks.

The Order of the White Eagle, packaged by the Ukrainian president for return to the Polish president, in a photo posted on 20/6. Photo: X/ZelenskyyUa

In response to the revocation, President Zelensky posted a photo on 20/6 showing the Order of the White Eagle being packaged for return to Poland. Former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko also announced similar intentions. They cited that the current tensions are undermining their past efforts to improve Polish-Ukrainian relations. Kyrylo Budanov, chief of staff to President Zelensky, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also declared they would renounce awards received from Poland.

The escalating dispute has cast doubt on whether the Ukrainian leader will attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC), a significant international event scheduled to take place in Gdansk this week. According to Sybiha, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present a report to the president detailing conference preparations, the impact of recent decisions, and various implementation options. "Based on this information, the president will decide whether to attend," Sybiha stated.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, Interia)