Refusal of the Order of the White Eagle
Petro Poroshenko, a Ukrainian parliament member and the country's fifth president, has turned down the Polish Order of the White Eagle. This move came after Poland's President Karol Nawrocki decided to reconsider the award given to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Several other Ukrainian political figures also declined their honors, including:
- Viktor Yushchenko
- Leonid Kuchma
- Andrii Sybiha
- Vasyl Bodnar
- Kyrylo Budanov
On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki made the decision to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. The reason cited was the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). In response, Andrii Sybiha, head of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the return of Polish decorations. This action was supported by Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Presidential Office. Meanwhile, Vyacheslav Abroskin, former first deputy head of the National Police of Ukraine, spoke out against the wave of returning Polish awards.
Petro Poroshenko explained his rejection of the Order of the White Eagle by stating that the awards were not meant for heads of state, but for Ukrainians defending Ukraine, Poland, and all of Europe.
“Despite the fact that an illegal, unconstitutional decision by the Ukrainian authorities through sanctions has stripped me of all state honors, I have decided to refuse the Order of the White Eagle,” Poroshenko stated.He also emphasized that his decision was not directed at the Polish people and expressed gratitude to Poland for its support of Ukraine during difficult times.
The Significance of Ukrainian-Polish Partnership
Poroshenko underscored the importance of the Ukrainian-Polish partnership, saying:
“This is my gesture in response to the decision of the President of Poland. My deep conviction in the strategic value of the Ukrainian-Polish partnership remains unchanged.”He also noted that it is crucial not to deepen the conflict but to resolve it, adding: “For us, Rzeszów is not just a Polish city. It is one of the symbols of international solidarity with Ukraine.”
On June 20, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that he had sent the order back to Karol Nawrocki by mail. This situation has sparked widespread reactions, as it touches on historical issues and contemporary relations between Ukraine and Poland.
The refusal of Ukrainian politicians to accept Polish awards, particularly the Order of the White Eagle, highlights a growing strain in Ukraine-Poland relations amid historical debates and political decisions. This could significantly impact bilateral ties, as both countries have traditionally supported each other on security and economic matters. Preserving the strategic partnership remains a key priority, one that should be strengthened rather than undermined in the face of current challenges.
In light of the recent developments, the issue of Ukraine's relationship with Poland continues to evolve. Kuleba's strong response to the proposal of revoking Zelenskyy's honor highlights the complexities of diplomatic ties and the significance of mutual respect in the region.