Poland, Ukraine: Dispute between two close allies deepens

Jun 23, 2026, 05:40 PM en source ↗
Poland–Ukraine RelationsRussia-Ukraine War

Summary

Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian President Zelensky of Poland's highest state honour, deepening a rift between two close allies. The dispute reflects tensions over historical memory, Poland's 2026 elections, and conflicting expectations of the alliance.

Preview

Polish President Karol Nawrocki last week stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's highest state honor. How did it come to this? And what has it got to do with next year's election in Poland?

Related dispatches