In Solidarity with Zelensky, Groysman Returns Polish Order

Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit Sent Back

According to Главком: Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has announced he is returning the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. He made this decision as a gesture of support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was stripped of the Order of the White Eagle by Polish President Karol Nawrocki on June 19. The revocation was triggered by the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).

A Personal Award, a Personal Decision

Groysman originally received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland in 2011 while serving as the mayor of Vinnytsia. The honor was granted for his work in fostering regional cooperation with Polish cities. Groysman stated:

“In 2011, as mayor of Vinnytsia, I was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for developing regional cooperation with Polish cities. This award is personal to me. That is why my decision to return it is also personal. I am giving back the order as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine and President Zelensky.” - Volodymyr Groysman

On June 20, Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he had mailed the order back to Karol Nawrocki. This followed the Polish president's decision to revoke the award. At the same time, former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko also renounced the Polish Order of the White Eagle. Poroshenko specifically stated he was refusing it in protest of the Polish president's action.

Groysman emphasized that while his order is being returned, his respect for the Polish people remains unchanged. 'My order is going back. But my respect for the Polish people stays,' he remarked.

This situation highlights growing tensions between Ukraine and Poland over issues of historical memory and symbolism. The decision by Ukrainian politicians to relinquish Polish awards underscores how seriously they view actions perceived as insulting or unacceptable. At the same time, Groysman and other Ukrainian leaders stress the importance of maintaining strong ties between the two nations despite political disagreements.

This recent decision by Groysman aligns with a broader trend among Ukrainian leaders, as former president Poroshenko has also renounced his Polish honor in response to the Polish president's actions regarding Zelensky. Such moves reflect a significant shift in diplomatic relations and solidarity within Ukraine's political landscape.