Return of the Order of the White Eagle
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent the Order of the White Eagle back to Polish President Karol Nawrocki using a private delivery service. This move came after Nawrocki announced he was stripping Zelenskyy of the honor. Zelenskyy emphasized that the award, granted in 2023, was originally meant for the Ukrainian people and its armed forces.
'We believed that in 2023, the Order of the White Eagle was addressed to the Ukrainian people and our army. That is what was said at the time. Today, I have sent the Order back to Mr. President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm respect for Ukrainians. Glory to Ukraine!'
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Polish President's Response
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, when announcing the revocation of Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, stressed that the award symbolizes the highest trust of the Polish Republic. He noted that the Order represents a special bond with the Polish state and the gratitude of its people.
'Such a symbol requires not only merit but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our community.'
- Karol Nawrocki
It should be noted that the Polish president's decision requires countersignature by the Prime Minister of Poland. In response to this situation, several Ukrainian officials have returned their Polish state decorations, including:
- Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov,
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha,
- Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar,
Former First Deputy Head of the National Police of Ukraine Vyacheslav Abroskin spoke out against this wave of returning awards.
Zelenskyy also remarked that Ukraine will not argue about 'this special symbol potentially remaining with Catherine the Great, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder.' He thanked the Polish people for their support and cooperation, which he believes plays a significant role in the struggle for independence of both nations.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between Ukraine and Poland, which, despite shared interests, can be influenced by political decisions and symbolic gestures. The response of Ukrainian officials to the Polish president's decision underscores the sensitivity surrounding awards and symbols used in diplomatic relations. The future course of events may affect cooperation between the two countries in the context of regional security and mutual support during challenging times.
The ongoing tensions surrounding the revocation of Zelenskyy's award have sparked significant reactions from Ukrainian officials. For a deeper understanding of the implications of this situation and the strong statements made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba regarding the proposal to strip Zelenskyy of Poland's highest honor, visit Kuleba's sharp response.