Not only Budanov: Ukraine's ambassador to Poland returned a Polish award

Ukraine's 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 called for "a frank conversation", reports UNN.

Details

"Today we are going through a difficult stage in our history. We have built relations based on trust, solidarity and support. Poland is our friend, ally and partner. These are millions of Polish women and men who opened their homes and hearts to our people, helped Ukraine in the most difficult times. We will always remember, cherish this help and tell our children and grandchildren about it. We, like no one else in Europe, understand the threat from russia. We have many common interests: security, defense, reconstruction and European integration," Bodnar wrote on social media on Saturday.

He noted that as Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, "I worked and am working to ensure our relations develop, joint projects are implemented, and complex historical issues are resolved." "Thanks to good dialogue over the past year and a half, we have managed to achieve a lot," the diplomat pointed out.

"But I cannot stand aside from a decision that I consider historically unjust. Understanding the emotions prevailing in Poland, I cannot accept that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy - a friend of Poland, the head of state bravely defending against the russian aggressor and protecting peace in Europe - has been stripped of the highest Polish award. In the conditions of russia's war against Ukraine, under attacks from missiles and drones, this decision is perceived as particularly painful and emotional, as a gesture towards the entire Ukrainian people. Under these circumstances, I am forced to return the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland,"

He noted that despite the current situation, "I am convinced that wisdom will overcome emotions, and mutual respect will overcome political expediency."

"We may have different views, disagree, but we must not lose the ability to hear each other and seek solutions through dialogue. Let us remember that the enemy – moscow – always benefits from our quarrels. I once again call for a frank conversation. I am confident that with good will, we will find reasonable solutions," emphasized the Ukrainian ambassador in Warsaw.

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 the decision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to assign the name "named after the Heroes of the UPA" to a Ukrainian special operations forces unit.

Ukrainian President 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 then-Polish President Andrzej Duda.

The Presidential Office 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 - the golden officer's cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.