The OP responded to Nawrocki's stripping of Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle - Budanov's statement

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 this "a gift for the Moscow aggressor," adding that Ukraine will assess this event, and refused his own Polish award, reports UNN.

Unfortunately, Polish President Karol Nawrocki resorted to an unfriendly act towards our people by stripping the President of Ukraine of the previously awarded Order of the White Eagle. Undoubtedly, this is a gift for the Moscow aggressor, which he will certainly use against both our countries

The Head of the OP emphasized: "Our peoples have long-standing relations and various pages of history – both heroic and tragic. However, this should be a reason for deep reflection, not crude political speculation. Ukraine does not dictate to any other people how to learn their history. So we also reserve the fair right to our own national memory and dignity."

"I am convinced that this gesture by the President of Poland is not about justice or anything of the sort. Because what justice can be discussed if, for example, the Italian fascist dictator and Hitler's accomplice Benito Mussolini has still not been stripped of the Order of the White Eagle?" - he noted.

Ukraine will undoubtedly assess this event. But despite everything, we will continue to stand firmly on the principles of open partnership with all our allies. However, a partnership of equals, based on the principles of mutual respect

"Ukraine will continue to fight in the vanguard of defending all of Europe, including Poland, paying the dearest price," - he stated.

"But like any Ukrainian, I cannot stand aside and simply watch as the flywheel of hatred is groundlessly and artificially spun against our citizens. In view of this, I am refusing the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which was awarded to me last year by the President of Poland. I am confident that Ukrainian society – both military and civilian – feels the same emotions and will support this step. Glory to Ukraine!" - Budanov stated.

Recall

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 the then President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.