Relations between Poland and Ukraine have come under fresh strain after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, announced that he was giving up a Polish state honour. His decision came a day after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Poland’s highest award previously given to Zelenskiy, citing a dispute linked to World War Two history.

The latest development threatens to deepen tensions between the two neighbouring countries, which have remained close strategic partners since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv continues to seek support from its allies as it pushes Russia to end the war.

On Friday, Nawrocki said he was withdrawing the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state distinction, from Zelenskiy. The decision was linked to Zelenskiy’s move to rename a Ukrainian military unit in honour of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), nationalists. These groups have long been accused of carrying out massacres of Polish civilians during the war, making the issue highly sensitive in Poland.

A section of Ukrainians still considers the UPA as national heroes for their daunting resistance against the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Reckoned as symbols of Kyiv’s struggle for independence from Moscow, the UPA was also involved in Volhynia massacres in which around 1,00,000 Poles were killed. Thousands of Ukrainians lost their lives in reprisal killings.

Zelenskiy’s decision sparked outrage across the political spectrum in Poland. Former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa said he ​would no longer wear a badge with the Ukrainian flag. Although he still supports Ukraine ​in its fight ⁠against Russia, he said he would not support Zelenskiy.

In response, Budanov announced on Saturday that he was renouncing the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, an award he received last year. He said his decision was a protest against what he viewed as a move that benefited Russia.

Explaining his position on social media, Budanov wrote, "Our nations have long-standing relations and different pages of history - both heroic and tragic. However, this should be an occasion for deep reflection, not crude political speculation."

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also criticised Nawrocki’s decision. He described the move as a "strategic error" and warned that it could damage relations between the two countries at a time when cooperation remains important.

Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is politically opposed to Nawrocki, called for restraint. He urged both sides to remain calm and avoid further escalation of the dispute.