Leonid Kuchma Rejects Poland’s Highest Honor
Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has renounced the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s most prestigious award, following Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to revoke the same honor from Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kuchma stated his refusal stems from a firm disagreement with foreign nations dictating Ukraine’s history. He emphasized that no country should decide whom Ukraine must honor, especially amid external aggression.
Kuchma, who served as Ukraine’s president from 1994 to 2005, originally received the Order of the White Eagle in 1997. The justification for stripping Zelenskyy of the award was the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The decision was made on the evening of June 20, 2026. In his statement, Kuchma declared:
“Today, I have no choice but to give up this high Polish honor. Ukraine did not take up arms against Russia—which justified its invasion with historical grievances—only to have other countries now dictate our history and decide whom we should respect.” — Leonid Kuchma
Joining Kuchma, several other Ukrainian officials have also announced the return of their Polish decorations. These include:
- Andriy Sybiha
- Vasyl Bodnar
- Kyrylo Budanov
Vyacheslav Abroskin, former first deputy head of the National Police of Ukraine, spoke out against the wave of returning Polish awards. On June 20, Volodymyr Zelenskyy mailed his Order of the White Eagle back to Karol Nawrocki.
The Stakes of Polish-Ukrainian Friendship
Reflecting on the importance of strong bilateral ties, Kuchma remarked:
“I believe friendship and alliance between Ukraine and Poland will endure. But today I feel sadness and anxiety.” — Leonid KuchmaHe stressed the need to remember history but added that “the past cannot be more important than the future.” Kuchma also warned of an imperial threat from the East that could once again seek to strip both nations of their statehood.
Notably, the Order of the White Eagle has also been awarded to former Ukrainian presidents Viktor Yushchenko and Petro Poroshenko. The joint reconciliation statement by Kuchma and Aleksander Kwaśniewski, adopted in 2003, was built on the principle of “We forgive and ask for forgiveness,” with spiritual mediation by Pope John Paul II. This current standoff highlights the persistent tensions between Ukraine and Poland, rooted in historical disputes and modern political challenges.
Kuchma’s decision to renounce the Order of the White Eagle underscores the strain in Polish-Ukrainian relations, fueled by conflicting historical narratives and shifting political landscapes. This move signals Ukraine’s determination to independently define its national symbols and heroes, resisting external pressure. Moving forward, both countries must navigate these sensitivities to preserve cooperation, requiring a clearer mutual understanding of shared history and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
The recent actions by Polish officials have sparked significant debate within Ukraine's political sphere. In this context, Kuleba's strong response to the proposal of revoking Zelenskyy's honor sheds light on the complexities of international relations and national identity. As tensions rise, the implications of these decisions extend beyond ceremonial awards, impacting the broader narrative of Ukrainian sovereignty and its historical ties with Poland.