Zelenskyy sent the Order of the White Eagle back to the President of Poland via "Nova Poshta"

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent back the Order of the White Eagle to President of Poland Karol Nawrocki, which the Polish leader had taken from the President the day before. Zelenskyy wrote about this on Telegram, publishing a photo of a "Nova Poshta" shipping receipt, reports UNN.

Details

 The day before, the President of Poland noted that the Order of the White Eagle is not an ordinary decoration. It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It signifies a special connection with the Polish state and special gratitude from the people. Such a symbol requires not only merits but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our community. Therefore, if it is considered that this special symbol can remain with Catherine the Second, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine will not argue with that

He noted that Ukraine is grateful to the Polish people for their support and cooperation, which plays a significant role in the struggle for our and your independence from russia, stating that Ukraine never forgets solidarity and knows that cooperation between states and peoples in our region is one of the tangible guarantees of security for both Ukrainians and every neighboring state.

Ukraine will continue to defend itself in this war started by russia, and we will definitely achieve a worthy peace. Ukraine is grateful to all peoples, states, and leaders who will continue to stand with us on the path of defending freedom and who will be together with Ukraine as guarantors of post-war peace in Europe and new real security. Ukraine will continue to be open to all meaningful formats of interaction with Poland, to try to prevent misinterpretations of the complex and painful pages of the past of our peoples and ensure due respect for all innocent victims of the 20th century. And Ukrainians are doing everything in their power to prevent Europe from losing in this century

The head of state emphasized that he believed this award was given specifically to the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian army.

That's what was said then. Today I sent the Order to Mr. President of Poland. I think the future will confirm respect for Ukrainians

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 gave 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.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha called the decision to strip the President of Ukraine of the Order of the White Eagle a strategic mistake by the President of Poland 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 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 it a "gift for the moscow aggressor," added that Ukraine will assess this event, and refused his own Polish award. 

Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland Vasyl Bodnar stated that he is returning a Polish award in light of the decision of President of Poland Karol Nawrocki to strip President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Polish Order of the White Eagle, while the diplomat called for "a frank conversation."