Poland has rescinded its highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The decision follows Kyiv’s naming of a military unit as the Ukrainian Resistance Army (UPA), a historically contentious nationalist force from World War II. President Karol Nawrocki announced the revocation on June 19th, citing the UPA’s controversial past and its association with wartime atrocities. The UPA fought alongside Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union, and is accused of ethnic cleansing of Poles and other minorities. This move significantly escalates diplomatic tensions between Poland and Ukraine, key allies in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine has not yet officially responded to Poland’s decision, but the move is likely to further strain relations between the two nations. The honor had been previously bestowed upon Zelensky in recognition of his leadership during the Russian invasion.