Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle Convenes
In Poland, a meeting of the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle took place to discuss the award given to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Andrzej Duda has not yet made a final decision on revoking the country's highest state honor from the Ukrainian leader, following deliberations attended by Rafał Leszkiewicz, the Polish president's spokesperson.
During the chapter session, Andrzej Duda proposed considering the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle from Volodymyr Zelensky in response to the Ukrainian president's decree No. 440/2026, which granted the honorary name of Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) to the Special Operations Center North. This move has raised concerns among Polish officials. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also reacted to the decision.
Potential Fallout for Bilateral Relations
The Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle is scheduled to meet again on June 8, 2026, with the matter of Zelensky's award on the agenda. Against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Ukraine and Poland, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha issued a statement warning of possible consequences for bilateral ties.
Prominent Polish public figures, journalists, artists, and former members of the democratic opposition have also weighed in, signing a joint appeal on the issue. Signatories included:
- Zbigniew Bujak
- Władysław Frasyniuk
- Paweł Kasprzak
- Cezary Łazarewicz
- Piotr Niemczyk
- Andrzej Seweryn
- Krzysztof Skiba
Today, the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle convened regarding the order awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The chapter presented its opinion to the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, who participated in the discussions. The president will make a decision at the appropriate time.
Rafał Leszkiewicz
As such, the debate over the Ukrainian president's honor continues, with no final verdict yet reached.
This situation underscores the strained relations between Poland and Ukraine, particularly concerning historical memory and contemporary political realities. The awarding of the Order of the White Eagle to President Zelensky has sparked broader discussions not only about bilateral ties but also about shared historical legacies. The reaction of Polish society and the influence of public figures on decision-making in this area remain pivotal.
As the situation evolves, the recent discussions in Poland highlight the growing concerns over the naming of military units after controversial historical figures. This has prompted calls for Ukraine to reconsider its actions, which could significantly impact the diplomatic landscape. For more details on the pressure exerted on Ukraine, read about how Poland is urging Ukraine to reverse the naming of military units.