Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland’s highest state honor amid renewed tensions over historical interpretation of World War II events. Zelenskyy sent back the Order of the White Eagle, which had recently been revoked by Poland, in a sign of protest and a call for respect.

The move follows a decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Zelenskyy of the award, citing Zelenskyy’s controversial choice to name a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA, a paramilitary group active during World War II, has been accused of participating in the massacre of Polish civilians, a point that has long been a source of friction between Poland and Ukraine.

In a social media statement explaining his return of the honor, Zelenskyy emphasized that the order symbolized the Ukrainian people and their armed forces. He expressed confidence that the future would affirm the respect Ukrainians merit, despite the current dispute. The Ukrainian leader’s gesture highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding historical narratives and national memory in the region.

The controversy underscores persistent difficulties in reconciling differing historical accounts between Poland and Ukraine, particularly regarding wartime actions and their legacy. While Poland views the honoring of the UPA as offensive due to its alleged atrocities, Ukraine maintains that the group fought for Ukrainian independence and considers it a symbol of national resistance.

This episode comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking broader international support in the face of ongoing conflict, adding diplomatic layers to how historical issues impact present-day alliances. Both nations have expressed commitment to maintaining cooperation despite this disagreement, though the incident reveals how unresolved historical grievances continue to influence bilateral relations.