Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has returned the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state decoration, following its revocation by the Polish presidency.
The move marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two NATO allies, driven by a politically charged dispute over World War II history and the role of nationalist wartime units.
The diplomatic row centers on Poland’s decision to strip Zelensky of the award, a step the Polish presidential office has defended as consistent with its treatment of other controversial historical figures.
Zelensky’s return of the honor signals a refusal to accept the revocation passively, escalating the symbolic conflict between the capitals.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Kyiv and Warsaw.
While both nations remain critical partners in the broader Western support for Ukraine, the resurgence of historical grievances threatens to undermine political coordination and public sentiment.