Ukrainian Politicians Reject Polish Honors
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasiuk has announced his decision to return the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. This move comes in response to Polish President Karol Nawrocki's June 19 decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. The trigger for Nawrocki's action was the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
Tarasiuk, who has been involved in building bilateral ties between Ukraine and Poland since 1990, previously stepped down as head of the Verkhovna Rada's inter-parliamentary group with Poland on July 22, 2016. Explaining his latest decision, he stated:
“This step aligns with my earlier protest against the Polish Sejm's resolution that unfairly accused Ukraine of 'genocide' against Poles.”
Other Notable Award Rejections
Beyond Tarasiuk, several other prominent Ukrainian figures have also renounced their Polish honors:
- Petro Poroshenko
- Viktor Yushchenko
- Leonid Kuchma
Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's fifth president and current lawmaker, likewise declared he would return the Order of the White Eagle. Viktor Yushchenko, the third president, and former president Leonid Kuchma have made similar decisions.
Additionally, Andrii Sybiha, head of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine's ambassador to Poland; and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Presidential Office, have announced they will return Polish awards previously granted to them. Meanwhile, Vyacheslav Abroskin, former first deputy head of Ukraine's National Police, has spoken out against this wave of award returns.
On June 20, Zelenskyy himself confirmed that he had mailed the Order of the White Eagle back to Nawrocki. This act underscores the growing tensions between Ukraine and Poland, fueled by political and historical disagreements.
These developments highlight a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two neighbors, which were once marked by close cooperation. The rejection of Polish honors by Ukrainian leaders signals deep divisions over historical interpretation and political decisions, potentially impacting future bilateral engagement. This rift unfolds against the backdrop of broader geopolitical challenges facing both nations today.
In light of the ongoing tensions regarding Polish honors, it is important to note that former President Poroshenko has also rejected a Polish award in solidarity with President Zelenskyy. This collective stance from Ukrainian politicians highlights the growing diplomatic rift between Ukraine and Poland, stemming from recent controversial decisions regarding military recognitions and historical narratives.