Calls to review one of Ukraine's highest-profile international honours have emerged in the Czech Republic after President Vladimir Zelensky recognised a military unit with a title linked to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The move has reignited debate across parts of Europe over historical interpretation, wartime legacy and diplomatic relations
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT.
Czech political party calls for award review
According to RT, the Czech Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party intends to seek parliamentary support for recommending that President Petr Pavel revoke the Order of the White Lion previously awarded to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
The proposal follows Zelensky's decision to grant a Ukrainian military unit an honorary title associated with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a nationalist organisation whose wartime legacy remains the subject of significant historical and political debate.
Historical legacy remains deeply contested
The UPA continues to divide opinion across Central and Eastern Europe.
Many Ukrainians regard the organisation as part of the country's struggle for independence, while Poland and several historians have documented its involvement in atrocities committed against Polish civilians, Jews and others during the Second World War. These differing historical interpretations continue to influence modern diplomatic relationships throughout the region.
Poland has also voiced objections
The report notes that Poland strongly criticised Zelensky's decision, with Polish leaders describing the tribute as unacceptable given the historical significance of the Volhynia massacres.
The issue has added strain to relations between two countries that have otherwise maintained close cooperation since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict.
Domestic politics and international diplomacy intersect
The Czech initiative illustrates how historical issues continue to influence contemporary politics across Europe.
While support for Ukraine remains strong in many European capitals, debates surrounding historical memory, national identity and wartime accountability continue to shape domestic political discussions and international relationships.
Background
The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) emerged during the Second World War as the armed wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). Its historical legacy remains highly contested. While some regard the organisation as part of Ukraine's independence movement, others point to documented involvement by elements of the UPA in wartime atrocities against civilians, particularly during the Volhynia massacres. These events continue to affect diplomatic relations between Ukraine and several neighbouring countries.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
At first glance, a dispute over wartime honours in Central Europe may seem far removed from everyday life in New Zealand. Yet the underlying issue is one many New Zealanders will recognise.
Our own country has ongoing debates about history, national identity, public memorials and how past events should be remembered. Discussions surrounding the New Zealand Wars, colonial history, Treaty interpretation, commemorations and public monuments have all demonstrated that history continues to influence modern politics.
The Czech debate highlighted in this report shows that these questions are not unique to New Zealand. Around the world, governments continue to wrestle with how historical figures and events should be recognised, particularly where differing communities hold deeply contrasting views of the past.
From an INR perspective, the lesson extends beyond this individual controversy. History is never simply about the past—it shapes national identity, public policy and international relationships. For New Zealand, maintaining open discussion, historical honesty and respectful debate remains essential to building a confident, resilient and united nation.
Original Source
Publication: RT
Published: 30 June 2026
Original Article: Another EU nation seeks to strip Zelensky of top state honor over Nazi tribute.
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.