Stripping of the Order of the White Eagle
On the evening of June 19, the Polish president’s office decided to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, citing an insult to the Polish people. The move was triggered by the naming of one of Ukraine’s military units after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). In response, Zelenskyy returned the award by mail on June 20.
Warsaw has clarified that it does not posthumously revoke state honors. This means the Order of the White Eagle remains with historical figures such as Benito Mussolini and Russian Empress Catherine II. Meanwhile, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder kept his award, as no open insults from him were recorded.
Rejection of the honor
Former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko have also turned down the Polish Order of the White Eagle. Kuchma and Yushchenko did so earlier, while Poroshenko refused in protest.
Agnieszka Jędrak, a representative of the Polish president’s office, stressed that 'at the root of the issue is that the Ukrainian leader deliberately insulted people who, over the past four years, have shown themselves to be Ukraine’s best friends.'
This situation has sparked serious reactions, making the Polish president’s decision a topic of debate in the context of historical relations between the two countries.
The decision highlights the sensitivity of historical issues in Ukraine-Poland ties, especially regarding the assessment of the UPA’s role during World War II. It is worth noting that such actions could affect mutual understanding and cooperation between nations that share common interests, particularly amid the current geopolitical climate. How events unfold will determine whether the two countries can find common ground in resolving historical disputes.
In light of the recent decision to revoke Zelenskyy’s honor, a significant number of Polish awards are also being returned. This wave of actions underscores the ongoing tensions and complex historical narratives between Ukraine and Poland. For a deeper understanding of how this situation is evolving and its implications for bilateral relations, read more about the mass return of Polish honors that follows this controversial move.