Zelenskyy returns Poland's highest honor after Polish leader revokes it in a spat over history

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned Poland's highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked it over Zelenskyy's decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after the controversial Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
• The UPA is accused by Poland of massacring Poles during World War II, a historical grievance that has reignited tensions between the two countries despite Poland's strong support for Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
• Nawrocki, a nationalist politician, emphasized that revoking the award did not signal a reduction in Poland's support for Ukraine's defense, while Zelenskyy expressed hope for future respect and continued cooperation between the nations.
• The move sparked criticism and concern in Ukraine, with some officials returning Polish honors in protest and former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk warning against reciprocal actions that could harm relations.
• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for de-escalation of tensions, highlighting the importance of unity against Russia and cautioning that the dispute benefits Moscow and unsettles allies, as Poland prepares to host a major event on Ukraine's postwar reconstruction.