Poland‑Ukraine diplomatic row over UPA‑named unit and award

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree naming a special‑forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a World‑War‑II formation that fought the Soviets and, during 1943‑45, carried out ethnic cleansings of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia. Poland objected, recalling that the Polish government classifies these actions as genocide. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki withdrew the Order of the White Eagle that had been awarded to Zelensky in 2023, and the Ukrainian president returned the decoration.

The episode has revived long‑standing historical grievances and cooled the otherwise strong wartime alliance between Kyiv and Warsaw. Experts note that the dispute reflects a clash of two national memories and raises concerns about Poland’s future support for Ukraine’s EU accession and broader Western security coordination.