Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, has renounced a Polish state medal following a diplomatic dispute between Ukraine and Poland over World War II history.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, the move came after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest honor, over Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after World War II-era Ukrainian insurgents.

Budanov said he was returning the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received last year, in protest.

“Our nations have long-standing relations and different pages of history - both heroic and tragic. However, this should be an occasion for deep reflection, not crude political speculation,” Budanov said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Nawrocki’s decision a “strategic error,” while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged both sides to remain calm.