Political Crisis Between Ukraine and Poland: What’s at Stake for Kyiv and Warsaw?

Historical disputes surrounding the legacy of the UPA have triggered the most serious diplomatic crisis between Ukraine and Poland since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Analysts warn that further escalation could undermine cooperation between Kyiv and Warsaw, weakening both countries while creating new opportunities for Moscow to exploit divisions between key allies.

This is reported by The New York Times.

The impetus for the new escalation was the decree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 26, 2026, honoring Ukrainian nationalist fighters. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced his intention to revoke Zelensky’s highest Polish state award, the Order of the White Eagle, which the Ukrainian president received in 2023.

Zelenskyy said he would be the first to return the order and noted that Warsaw did not deprive Benito Mussolini or Gerhard Schröder of similar awards. After that, the following Polish state awards were returned:

• • Head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov;

• • Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga;

• • former President Leonid Kuchma;

• • former President Viktor Yushchenko;

• • Former President Petro Poroshenko.

The article notes that the UPA issue remains the main historical dispute between the two states. For Poland, the UPA is associated with the Volyn tragedy of 1943, while in Ukraine it is seen as a symbol of the struggle against the Soviet occupation.

“Both sides are being reckless in historical matters… They are delving into history for the sake of temporary domestic political gains, while the ultimate beneficiary is Russia. Both sides are strategically shooting themselves in the foot, and Moscow is winning. Russia is now opening the champagne,” said Oleksandra Ivaniuk, associate professor of political science at the University of Warsaw.

Analysts emphasize that deteriorating relations between Kyiv and Warsaw could adversely affect NATO logistics, since most Western military aid arrives in Ukraine via Poland.

Amid the escalation, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on the parties to exercise restraint.

“The conflict between Poland and Ukraine pleases Putin and shocks our allies. The task of Presidents Zelensky and Navrosky is to calm emotions, not inflame tensions. The front line is in a completely different place,” Tusk said.

Experts interviewed by the publication believe that Zelensky’s decree was intended to bolster Ukrainians’ fighting spirit and was not anti-Polish. At the same time, they note that any steps by Ukraine to glorify the independence fighters cause a sharp reaction from Polish society.

Recall that Polish President Karol Nawrotsky signed a decision to deprive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle in connection with the awarding of the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA” to the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent the Order of the White Eagle, which he had previously been awarded, to the Polish President. This happened after a scandal surrounding the naming of a Ukrainian unit in honor of UPA heroes, which was perceived in Poland as a sign of disrespect.

In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga announced that he would return the Commander’s Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit to Poland. At the same time, the head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, and the deputy head of the Presidential Office, Ihor Zhovkva, announced the return of Polish state awards. They made this decision after Polish President Karol Nawrotsky stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle.

At the same time, former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and the third Ukrainian President, Viktor Yushchenko, refused the Order of the White Eagle that they had received from Poland.

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