Budanov Rejects Polish Honor as Controversy Surrounds Zelensky’s Order Revocation

Budanov condemns the revocation of Zelensky’s Polish honor, calling it a gift to aggressors

President of Poland previously awarded Budanov this honor last year.

Budanov criticized the actions of President Nawrocki, stating that he has committed an unfriendly act towards the people of Ukraine by revoking Zelensky’s honor.

He remarked, “This is undoubtedly a gift for the Moscow aggressor, which will be used against both our nations.”

Highlighting the long-standing relationships between the people of Ukraine and Poland, Budanov pointed out they entail both heroic and tragic historical chapters. He emphasized that this should prompt deep reflection rather than political speculation.

“Ukraine does not dictate to any other nation how to teach its history, and we reserve the right to our own national memory and dignity,” Budanov stated.

He expressed that Nawrocki’s gesture does not represent justice, reminding that Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, an ally of Hitler, has not been stripped of the Order of the White Eagle.

Budanov noted that Ukraine will evaluate this incident, yet it will continue to uphold equal partnership with all allies.

“Ukraine will continue to fight at the forefront of defending all of Europe, including Poland, paying the highest price. Like any Ukrainian, I cannot remain on the sidelines while an artificial wave of hatred is being stirred against our citizens,” he added.

Context

• The scandal between Ukraine and Poland arose after President Zelensky’s decision on May 26 to honor a unit of the Special Operations Forces “North” with the name of the Heroes of the UPA, which received criticism from Polish officials, including President Nawrocki, who claimed such steps provide arguments for Russian propaganda.
• Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tikhiy labeled Poland’s reaction as “sharp” and stressed that Ukrainian soldiers view the UPA struggle primarily as resistance against imperial Moscow politics, rather than an act against the Polish people.
• Following the controversy, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine visited Poland, and Ukrainian media reported that the worst-case scenario was avoided during this trip, while Polish journalists described the meeting as “cool” with no breakthroughs.
• The Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle considered the awarding of this honor to Zelensky on June 8, with Nawrocki’s spokesperson, Rafał Leszkiewicz, informing that they expressed their opinion to the Polish president, who would make a decision in due course.
• On June 19, Nawrocki announced the revocation of Zelensky’s order. Donald Tusk criticized the Polish president’s decision, asserting that this situation serves only Moscow’s interests.
• In light of Zelensky’s honor revocation, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated that he was declining the Polish award of the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order “For Merits to Poland.”