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Polish President Karol Nawrocki has rejected accusations that the controversy surrounding the Order of the White Eagle is aimed at fueling anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland, insisting that the dispute concerns historical memory rather than domestic politics.
According to Nawrocki, the disagreement is rooted in differing interpretations of history. He stated that Polish society does not accept the red-and-black flag associated with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and argued that Polish leaders should remain united on such issues.
“Volodymyr, Mr. President, this dispute is not about Poland’s internal politics. President Zelensky is mistaken,” Nawrocki said.
The remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Nawrocki of engaging in domestic political struggles by stirring hostility toward Ukrainians. Zelenskyy also compared the Polish leader’s approach to that of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, warning that such rhetoric could lead to greater social radicalization and escalation.
The controversy began after Poland moved to revoke Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, the country's highest state honor. The decision followed Ukraine's move to grant an elite Special Operations Forces unit an honorary title referencing the heroes of the UPA.
In response, several prominent Ukrainian figures announced they would return Polish state awards, including former presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko and Petro Poroshenko, as well as senior officials such as Kyrylo Budanov, Andrii Sybiha and Volodymyr Groysman.
