Zelenskyy returns Poland's highest honor after Polish president revokes it in history dispute
Updated on: June 20, 2026 / 7:24 PM EDT / AP
TL;DR
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned Poland's highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle.
- The award was revoked by Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
- The dispute stems from Zelenskyy naming a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
- The UPA is accused in Poland of massacring Poles during World War II.
- Zelenskyy stated the order belonged to the Ukrainian people and army, and he believes future respect is deserved.
- Four Ukrainian officials, including Kyrylo Budanov, also announced they would return state honors from Poland.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged de-escalation, warning the dispute delights Putin and shocks allies.