The political crisis in Ukraine and Poland: what threatens relations between Kyiv and Warsaw
Historical disputes over the activities of the UPA have sparked the most serious diplomatic crisis between Ukraine and Poland since the start of the full-scale war. Analysts warn that the escalation of the conflict weakens both countries and creates advantages for Russia.
This is reported by The New York Times .
The impetus for the new escalation was the decree of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of May 26, 2026, on honoring Ukrainian nationalist fighters. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced his intention to deprive Zelensky of the highest Polish state award, the Order of the White Eagle, which the Ukrainian president received in 2023.
Zelenskyy said that he would be the first to return the order, and also 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 Kirill Budanov;
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga;
- former President Leonid Kuchma;
- former President Viktor Yushchenko;
- former president Petro Poroshenko.
The article notes that the issue of the UPA 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 the deterioration of relations between Kyiv and Warsaw could negatively affect NATO logistics, since most Western military aid arrives in Ukraine through the territory of 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 aimed at supporting the fighting spirit of Ukrainians, and was not anti-Polish in nature. 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 third Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko refused the Order of the White Eagle , which they received from Poland.
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