Ukraine Proposes New National Pantheon and European Order Amid Diplomatic Strain with Poland

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has launched an initiative to establish the Ukrainian National Pantheon, a symbolic institution dedicated to commemorating the names of heroes who have fought for Ukraine across centuries. This announcement came during Zelensky's speech on Ukraine's Constitution Day, June 28.

National Recognition and Geopolitical Context

During the address, Zelensky emphasized that the pantheon will unite all those who have inspired and defended Ukraine, ensuring their names are recorded permanently in the nation’s history with respect and state recognition. ‘‘No one will ever dictate how we live, speak, who we love, who we appreciate, or which heroes we honor,’’ Zelensky declared.

"No one and never will dictate how we live, how to speak, who to love, who to be grateful to, and which heroes to honor." – Volodymyr Zelensky

This declaration comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Poland triggered by Zelensky’s decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after the ‘‘Heroes of UPA’’ (Ukrainian Insurgent Army). The move sparked strong criticism from Warsaw, which regards the UPA as responsible for atrocities against Poles during World War II, notably the Volhynia massacre, which Poland officially recognizes as genocide.

In retaliation, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelensky’s highest Polish award, the Order of the White Eagle. Zelensky responded with irony, noting that the order was never rescinded from historical figures such as Catherine the Great, Benito Mussolini, or Gerhard Schröder, and indicated Ukraine would not contest the decision. Poland clarified that the order is not revoked posthumously and that Schröder did not offend the Polish nation.

Following Zelensky, several of his associates returned Polish awards. Simultaneously, some Polish politicians, including Law and Justice party leader Jarosław Kaczyński, returned Ukrainian state honors to Kyiv. Kaczyński has also urged the Polish government to block Ukraine’s EU accession talks, reportedly as a political strategy ahead of Poland’s 2027 parliamentary elections.

Recent polls reflect deteriorated Polish public opinion about Zelensky’s attitude toward Poland, with 58.3% of respondents holding a negative view. Meanwhile, President Nawrocki’s approval rating rose to a record 54.8% in late June, partially attributed to his stance on the award revocation.

New European Order to Recognize Shared Defense Efforts

In addition to the pantheon, Zelensky submitted legislation to Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada proposing the creation of a new state award, the European Order. Describing Ukraine’s ‘‘round-the-clock fight for Europe’s survival,’’ Zelensky asserted that the country has earned an honor bearing that name.

The European Order would be awarded to Ukrainians defending the security and future of Europe and contributing to Ukraine’s European Union integration. Foreign nationals demonstrating similar merits would also be eligible.

Currently, the European Union itself does not have an award named the European Order, although it established the European Order of Merit in 2025, which Zelensky is among the first recipients.

The creation of the Ukrainian National Pantheon and the European Order reflects Ukraine’s ongoing effort to solidify national identity and international recognition amid complex geopolitical challenges, particularly balancing its alliances and historical narratives in the face of conflict with Russia and tensions with key partners like Poland.