As tensions between Poland and Ukraine continue to escalate over World War II history, their strategic alliance is coming under increasing strain. The row centres on a Polish decision to rescind the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honour, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following his renaming of a Ukrainian army unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army – a nationalist group responsible for massacring Poles during the Second World War.
The revocation of the award has prompted a strong reaction from Ukraine, with three former presidents and senior officials returning their state awards to Poland in protest. Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed concern on social media, warning that such conflict would be detrimental 'business-wise, geopolitically, and reputationally', highlighting underlying tensions within Poland itself.
President Zelenskyy stressed the need for Ukraine and Poland to remain 'partners and friends', cautioning against a 'very dangerous escalation' of their dispute. He defended the unit's naming, arguing that service members choose their unit names and as supreme commander-in-chief he must support them. Notably, Zelenskyy underscored Poland's reliance on Ukraine for defence, asserting that 'Without Ukraine, no one will be able to defend Poland. It is simply impossible.'
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to impact daily life in Russian-occupied Crimea, where officials have suspended civilian petrol sales following Ukraine's escalation of attacks on fuel supplies. Overnight strikes reportedly killed four people and injured 28 others, with local petrol stations now exclusively serving government agencies – marking the most severe fuel crisis in Crimea since its annexation in 2014.
President Zelenskyy has described these attacks as part of Ukraine's 'long-range sanctions' against Russia's energy infrastructure. Ukraine has significantly increased drone attacks on Russian energy facilities, striking targets deep behind the frontlines, including a major refinery in Moscow twice last week. These actions are aimed at reducing Russia's oil revenues, which are crucial for funding the ongoing war.
The US-based energy research firm Energy Intelligence reported earlier this month that approximately a third of Russia's oil refining capacity has been taken offline due to Ukrainian strikes, leading to fuel rationing across the country. The impact on British consumers is likely to be minimal in the short term; however, any sustained disruption to global energy supplies could have far-reaching consequences for the UK economy and its trade relationships with Europe.