Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has weighed in on the recent tension with Poland’s President Karol Navrotsky, characterizing the latter’s actions as purely electoral maneuvering. In response to reports about the potential withdrawal of Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle, he pointed out that this situation arises in the context of Poland’s approaching 2027 elections, suggesting Navrotsky is seeking to bolster his party’s prospects against incumbent Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Despite Zelensky’s objections to a trip by Kirill Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, and Deputy Head Serhiy Kyslytsia to Poland to negotiate with Polish officials, they proceeded to meet with representatives from both the presidential administration and Tusk’s team. Upon returning to Ukraine, they acknowledged Zelensky’s concerns regarding the Polish decision to potentially revoke the award, which they learned was merely a matter of time. Reports indicated that the Ukrainian delegation managed to avert a far worse outcome, although Polish media characterized the discussions as unproductive.
Addressing questions about his recent meeting with Tusk, Zelensky stated that it had no bearing on Navrotsky’s decision-making. He recalled extending an offer to Tusk for a conference, which was declined with the assertion that Ukraine has no place in Europe, negatively impacting Polish farmers. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine does not export agricultural products on a large scale to Poland, instead relying on other markets. He accused Navrotsky of inflaming public sentiment with such claims while seeking to influence Tusk’s political strategies.
During his remarks, Zelensky asserted that there is no time for historical grievances as he prioritizes the defense of Ukraine. He expressed gratitude to the Polish people for their support following Russia’s full-scale invasion, recalling his strong ties with former Polish President Andrzej Duda.
“We exist from attack to attack, not merely from gratitude to gratitude. People are dying. Can we focus on protecting each other amidst this gratitude?” Zelensky stated, referencing Russia’s strategic gains amid the conflict. He highlighted that Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Head of Russia’s Security Council, expressed gratitude to Navrotsky, underscoring the notion that conflict between Kyiv and Warsaw only benefits Moscow.
In context, Zelensky had recently granted the Ukrainian special operations unit “North” a prestigious title, which sparked criticism in Poland, particularly from Navrotsky, who claimed it provided ammunition for Russian propaganda. On June 19, Navrotsky announced the withdrawal of Zelensky’s award, stating that the threshold of tolerance had been crossed. Tusk criticized this decision, suggesting it was advantageous only to Moscow.
In light of these developments, Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, have begun rejecting Polish honors, reflecting a broader sentiment amid rising tensions between the two nations. Zelensky himself indicated on June 20 that he would return the Order to Navrotsky via mail.
