Ukraine Vows to Retaliate in Kind After Poland Strips Zelensky of White Eagle Order

Andrii Sybiha Responds to Poland's Decision

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has condemned Polish President Karol Nawrocki's move to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sybiha called the decision shortsighted and a major misstep, warning that Moscow stands to gain from any discord between Kyiv and Warsaw. He stressed that Ukraine will no longer allow other nations to dictate interpretations of its history and will respond symmetrically to any hostile actions. This dispute adds to recent strains between the two neighboring allies, who have otherwise cooperated closely since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.

'No other country's president will ever dictate our history to us again. Period. And we will mirror every step, especially if those steps are unfriendly and disrespectful to our nation,' Andrii Sybiha declared.

Sybiha emphasized that the revocation shows contempt for Ukrainian soldiers, the Ukrainian people, and Ukraine's right to its own historical narrative. 'We will not tolerate this,' he added.

Readiness for Dialogue

Sybiha announced that on June 22, he will brief President Zelensky on preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for June 25-26 in Gdańsk. He noted that over the past year and a half, Ukraine and Poland have initiated exhumations and historian-led dialogue, reflecting both countries' intent to pursue constructive cooperation.

At the same time, Sybiha underscored the need to set aside emotions and use existing mechanisms for honest, equal dialogue:

• It is important to set emotions aside.
• We have the mechanisms, prior positive experience, and the will.

Notably, Volodymyr Zelensky returned the Order of the White Eagle to Poland by mail. Other Ukrainian officials who have also renounced Polish state honors include Andrii Sybiha, Kyrylo Budanov, Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, Petro Poroshenko, and Volodymyr Groysman. Sybiha believes the current situation only draws applause from Moscow: 'It's no coincidence that he is now receiving applause from Moscow.'

This episode highlights tensions in Ukraine-Poland relations, which-despite efforts to foster constructive dialogue-could escalate further due to historical disputes. While Ukraine's leadership demonstrates a readiness to defend national dignity on the international stage, both countries retain opportunities to find compromise and continue cooperation in other areas despite current disagreements.

The recent escalation in tensions between Ukraine and Poland has prompted significant responses from both nations. As Ukrainian officials express their discontent over the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle from President Zelensky, it's essential to understand the broader implications of these diplomatic rifts. For further insights into Ukraine's diplomatic stance following this controversial decision, you can read more about Ukraine's top diplomat's rejection of the Polish award.