Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva stated that he will refuse a Polish state award amid the decision of Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Polish Order of the White Eagle. Zhovkva reported this on Facebook, reports UNN.
Details
The decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of a high Polish state award is a step that cannot be perceived as either morally just or politically justified. Today, the Ukrainian people are paying the highest price for the freedom and security of all of Europe
He noted that the history of relations between Ukraine and Poland, as is always the case between neighbors, has both tragic and significant pages. That is why there has always been and is a chance to create a new history between our peoples based on the formula "we forgive and ask for forgiveness."
It was a great honor for me to receive the Polish state award - the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which was presented to me in 2022 for building Ukrainian-Polish mutual understanding and partnership. But under the current circumstances, I do not consider it possible to continue to keep this award. With respect for the Polish people and gratitude to all Poles who have supported and continue to support Ukraine, I have decided to return the order
He thanked the thousands of Polish families who extended a helping hand and continue to support Ukrainians in the most difficult times, the Polish volunteers who help us hold back the Russian onslaught, the Polish officials who, despite everything, continue to build a genuine Ukrainian-Polish partnership, and the Polish friends who understand the value of our unity in the face of a common threat.
Reminder
Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle and emphasized that there are limits in Polish-Ukrainian relations that cannot be crossed.
The decision was made after Nawrocki stated that he is critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to assign the name "after the Heroes of the UPA" to a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces unit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave one of the units of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the name "after the Heroes of the UPA" at the end of May.
The Order of the White Eagle was presented to Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2023 by then-Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha called the decision to strip the Ukrainian President of the Order of the White Eagle a strategic mistake by the Polish President and added that he would return his Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
The Office of the President commented on the decision of Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the previously awarded Polish Order of the White Eagle. Head of the OP Kyrylo Budanov called it a "gift for the Moscow aggressor," added that Ukraine will assess this event, and refused his own Polish award.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar stated that he is returning a Polish award amid the decision of Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Polish Order of the White Eagle, while the diplomat also called for "a frank conversation."