Nawrocki Moves to Revoke Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle; Kremlin Reacts

President Karol Nawrocki has initiated the process to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland’s highest honor following Kyiv’s decision to name a military unit after UPA figures.

Kremlin Propaganda Response

“The Polish president has finally taken the Order of the White Eagle away from the Nazi-praising degenerate from Kyiv. I don’t think it will be a problem for the boss of the Banderites – there will be more room on his green sweatshirt for a Nazi Iron Cross,” wrote Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, on X. The politician is well-known for his propaganda statements.

Kirill Dmitriev, an advisor to Vladimir Putin and his special envoy for talks with the US regarding the war in Ukraine, echoed these sentiments, claiming, “Poland is finally discovering the Nazi sympathizers in Ukraine.”

The Kremlin has long used the pretext of “denazification” to justify its invasion of Ukraine, a narrative that has been repeatedly debunked by historians, experts, and commentators.

Controversy Over UPA Honors

Karol Nawrocki decided to revoke the honor after President Volodymyr Zelensky named the North Independent Special Operations Center of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine after the “Heroes of the UPA.” President Nawrocki stated that the sacrifices of ancestors must not be betrayed by silence, noting that these historical wounds require truth, memory, and respect.

The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) was a nationalist formation that sought an independent Ukrainian state. Between 1943 and 1945, its units carried out ethnic cleansings targeting the Polish civilian population, primarily in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia. Polish historians estimate that tens of thousands to over 100,000 people, including women and children, were murdered during these actions.

Procedural Hurdles and Political Friction

The presidential decree requires a countersignature from Prime Minister Donald Tusk. After the announcement, Tusk noted that the growing rift between Warsaw and Kyiv benefits Russia and concerns Poland’s allies. While Tusk had previously labeled Zelensky’s decision regarding the naming of the unit as a mistake that unnecessarily triggered emotions, he emphasized after a conversation with the Ukrainian leader that there was no intent to insult Poles.

Kirill Dmitriev commented on the Prime Minister’s stance, claiming, “Polish Prime Minister Tusk is defending the Nazi sympathizers exposed by President Nawrocki.”

Historical Context of the Honor

Andrzej Duda awarded the Order of the White Eagle to Zelensky on April 5, 2023, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to deepening friendly and comprehensive relations between Poland and Ukraine, and for defending democracy, peace, and human rights.

The procedure for revoking such honors is rarely used. In the more than 320-year history of the Order of the White Eagle, only one person has lost the distinction, though this occurred via a court verdict rather than an administrative procedure. That individual was former Prime Minister Wincenty Witos.