President of Poland Karol Nawrocki has revoked the highest state award of the country, the Order of the White Eagle, from the leader of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. The decision was made after Ukraine conferred the honorary title of "Heroes of the UPA" (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) on one of the units of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 🔵 Details. In his statement, Karol Nawrocki indicated that for Polish society, the UPA remains the main perpetrator of brutal crimes committed against Polish citizens during World War II. "The decision of the Ukrainian authorities to glorify the UPA is not only outrageous but also incomprehensible and causes deep disappointment. This is a blow not only to historical memory. It is also a blow to the trust that has been built over the years," stated the President of Poland on June 19. The politician noted that the decision "is not directed against the Ukrainian people" and does not mean "a change in the direction of Polish security policy." 🔵 Ukraine's reaction. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiga, called Nawrocki's decision a "strategic mistake that only Moscow will benefit from." He added that he is renouncing his own award "For Merit to Poland," received from the Polish president in 2022. "Without a doubt, this is a gift for the Moscow aggressor, who will definitely use it against both our countries. Our nations have long-standing relations and different pages of history - both heroic and tragic. However, this should be a reason for deep reflection, not crude political speculation," added the head of Zelensky's office, Kyrylo Budanov, who also decided to renounce the award "For Merit to Poland." 🔵 What's next? For Nawrocki's decision to take effect, the approval of the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, Nawrocki's political opponent, is required. On his social media, he called on Zelensky and Nawrocki to "reduce emotional heat, not fuel tensions." It is unknown from his statement what decision will ultimately be made. 🔵 Context. On May 26, Volodymyr Zelensky conferred the title "named after the Heroes of the UPA" on one of the special units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, explaining it as "restoring the historical traditions of the national army." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that this decision is not directed against Poland. In Warsaw, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army is accused of mass killings of Poles. For many Ukrainians, the UPA is a symbol of the struggle for independence, notes DW.