Ukraine's nationalist history weaponized in war with Russia, straining Poland ties

The article examines how Ukraine's government, particularly since the 2014 power shift, has promoted an ultranationalist historical narrative, primarily rooted in western Ukraine, as a tool against Russia. This narrative, which glorifies figures like the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and its controversial wartime role, has been used to legitimize current military actions. A recent diplomatic incident with Poland illustrates the tensions: Polish state leader Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Zelenskyy awarded the title 'Heroes of the UPA' to the 'North' operational center of Ukraine's armed forces. On June 20, Zelenskyy preempted the revocation by returning the order, an unprecedented move in bilateral relations. The conflict highlights the struggle over historical interpretation in a country that spent seven decades as part of the Soviet Union and now uses a nationalist lens to shape its identity and war effort.