On May 29, 2026, Poland's President Mateusz Nawrocki and other political leaders expressed their condemnation of President Zelenskyy’s decree recognizing a Ukrainian special forces unit's naming after the UPA. This unit is associated with the Volhynia massacres, where estimates suggest that between 20,000 to 100,000 Poles were killed by Ukrainian nationalists between 1943 and 1945. The Polish parliament had previously classified these actions as genocide, a designation contested by Ukraine.

During a recent ceremony, Zelenskyy, alongside other military officials, stated that honoring the UPA is justified due to its historical role against Soviet oppression. However, Polish leaders argue that this move glorifies a group responsible for horrific atrocities against their citizens. Nawrocki announced intentions to convene a state body that might discuss stripping Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honor, awarded to him in recognition of his leadership and contributions to Ukraine's defense during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The backlash underscores the delicate nature of Polish-Ukrainian relations, particularly given Poland's status as one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies during the Russian invasion. While Poland has provided significant military support—including the donation of tanks—it faces growing internal pressures and nationalist sentiments among its populace regarding the recognition of historical grievances.

Poland’s Foreign Ministry criticized the renaming of the Ukrainian unit, noting it "wounds the memory of the victims of that organization." The situation highlights the complex, often contentious historical narratives that continue to shape contemporary political landscapes. Calls from historians and victims' organizations suggest that while Poland extends its hand in support of Ukraine, it also demands acknowledgment and reconciliation regarding past atrocities committed during WWII.

As this controversy unfolds, it illustrates the broader struggle within Ukraine to confront its nationalistic past while navigating critical foreign relationships, alongside pressures from its military engagements with Russia.