Nawrocki’s Decision to Revoke Zelensky’s Order Splits Polish Opinion

A recent SW Research poll for Onet reveals that Polish public opinion is deeply divided on whether President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle benefits Poland.

Public Perception of the Presidential Move

One third of respondents believe President Nawrocki made the right decision in revoking Volodymyr Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle. Meanwhile, more than half of those polled suggest that Prime Minister Donald Tusk should have officially countersigned the presidential decision.

The poll, conducted by SW Research for Onet, asked whether the revocation would strengthen or weaken Poland’s international standing. While 36.4% of respondents believe it will strengthen Poland’s position, 31.6% argue it will weaken the country’s status on the world stage. Notably, 32% of participants remain undecided.

Diplomatic Fallout Over UPA Naming

The conflict originated after President Volodymyr Zelensky named a military unit after the UPA, prompting widespread criticism from Polish officials, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Despite repeated diplomatic appeals to change the name, the requests went unheeded.

On June 19, Karol Nawrocki announced the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle. President Zelensky subsequently returned the decoration, an action followed by former Ukrainian leaders Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yanukovych, and Petro Poroshenko. In a gesture of solidarity with Nawrocki, Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the PiS party, also returned his Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise II Class.

Methodology of the Poll

The SW Research survey was conducted on June 24, 2026, using the CAWI method via an online panel. The study surveyed 810 adults, with the sample balanced to be representative of the Polish population regarding gender, age, and place of residence.