President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has been stripped of a prestigious Polish state honour, a move that underscores growing strain in bilateral relations. The honour, awarded in 2022 to mark Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, was revoked by the city of Przemyśl following a diplomatic dispute over historical grievances. Poland, a key NATO ally and logistical hub for Western military aid to Ukraine, has seen its relationship with Kyiv fray in recent months, largely over agricultural exports and historical memory.
The city council in Przemyśl voted to rescind the distinction, citing what they described as an “inappropriate” response from Zelensky’s office to Polish concerns about the Volhynia massacre during World War Two. The Ukrainian president has not publicly commented on the decision. Meanwhile, Britain has moved to reaffirm its steadfast support for Kyiv.
In a statement issued from Downing Street, the Prime Minister said that London’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “remains ironclad” and that the UK would continue to provide military, economic and diplomatic assistance for “as long as it takes”. The British government also announced an additional package of air defence systems and training for Ukrainian pilots, part of a wider effort to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities ahead of what is expected to be a renewed Russian offensive in the spring. The contrast between Poland’s downgraded stance and Britain’s reinforced backing highlights the divergent pressures on Ukraine’s European partners.
Poland, facing domestic political pressures and an election year, has adopted a more assertive tone, while Britain, outside the European Union, can act with fewer constraints from continental public opinion. For Kyiv, the episode serves as a reminder that the broad coalition that has sustained its defence is not immune to fractures. The coming weeks will test whether diplomatic efforts can mend the rift with Warsaw or if this marks a permanent recalibration of regional alliances.
