Deputy Speaker of the Polish Senate refused Ukrainian awards in protest

Deputy Marshal of the Senate of Poland Michał Kamiński announced the return of two state awards of Ukraine amid the decision of Ukrainian presidents and other politicians to refuse Polish awards. He wrote about this in a letter to the Ambassador of Ukraine, reports 300Polityka, UNN reports.

Details

Dear Mr. Ambassador, in connection with the actions and statements of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which were supported by all former presidents of Ukraine and the vast majority of the Ukrainian political class, I have decided to return two state awards of Ukraine, which were awarded to me for my activities in the European integration of Ukraine

He stated that he accepted these awards as a sign of gratitude for many years of dedication to building a strategic partnership between Poland and Ukraine.

According to him, Poland was Ukraine's advocate in Europe at a time when many European politicians were restrained towards Ukraine's aspirations, and also noted that Poland supported Ukraine politically, diplomatically, and economically, consistently striving for its presence in Euro-Atlantic and European structures.

For years, we have consciously downplayed historical disputes, recognizing that the future of Polish-Ukrainian relations requires responsibility and good will. Unfortunately, today it is difficult to resist the impression that this good will was not met with proper reciprocity. (...) My surprise and disappointment are even greater because, after years of such enormous support from Poland and all of Europe, Ukraine has still not decided to unequivocally condemn the perpetrators of the Volhynia massacre and the mass murders committed by the OUN and UPA against citizens of the Republic of Poland. It is difficult to understand why Ukraine continues to find national heroes in circles responsible for one of the most tragic chapters in the history of Polish-Ukrainian relations. It is even more difficult to understand why, in the 21st century, individuals associated with these crimes are often presented as models of patriotism for future generations of Ukrainians

He stated that he returns the awards with deep regret, but also with the conviction that a true partnership between nations can only be built on the foundation of truth, respect for the victims, and mutual honesty.

Recall

President of Poland Karol Nawrocki decided to strip President of Ukraine 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 the decision of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to assign the name "named after the Heroes of the UPA" to a Ukrainian special operations forces unit.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy granted one of the units of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the name "named after the Heroes of the UPA" at the end of May.

The Order of the White Eagle was awarded to Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2023 by the then President of Poland Andrzej Duda.

The Office of the President commented on the decision of the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki to strip President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the previously awarded Polish Order of the White Eagle. Head of the OP Kyrylo Budanov called this "a gift for the Moscow aggressor," added that Ukraine will assess this event, and refused his own Polish award - the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.