Ukrainian Official Criticizes Poland’s Withdrawal of Zelensky’s Honor

Andrij Sybiga, a prominent Ukrainian diplomat, has condemned Poland’s decision to revoke President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle, calling it a significant strategic blunder by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. In a social media post, Sybiga argued that this action only serves to benefit Moscow.

Sybiga expressed disappointment over what he perceives as an emotional reaction from Warsaw, leading Polish politicians to take “unjustified, impulsive, and contemptuous steps” against Ukraine. He stated, “In light of such reckless actions, I no longer see the possibility of retaining the high state award given to me in October 2022, the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of Poland. I will soon return it to Poland.”

The diplomat emphasized that the issue transcends awards, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, especially in discussions of complex and sensitive matters. This, he noted, should involve acknowledging each other’s decisions, even in disagreement.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister reiterated that Ukraine has never sought this conflict, recalling the efforts made over the past 18 months to resolve differences and depoliticize historical issues, including the contentious topic of the Volhynian tragedy. He deemed the current escalation as counterproductive and harmful to both nations.

Sybiga lamented that instead of seeking solutions, the Polish side chose to escalate tensions to an unacceptable and disproportionate level. He stressed, “No president of another country will dictate our history. We hope that reason will prevail, and our Polish friends will return to a dialogue based on equality, aligned with our allied relations in the face of a common enemy in Moscow.”

Following a recent meeting of the Order of the White Eagle chapter, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed his hope that the Polish leadership would avoid making absurd decisions, noting that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who receives money from the illegitimate president of the aggressor state, Vladimir Putin, still remains a knight of the Order of the White Eagle.

Background

• The scandal arose after President Zelensky announced on May 26 the honorary naming of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces unit “after the Heroes of UPA.” This decision faced criticism in Poland, particularly from President Nawrocki, who stated that such actions provide arguments for Russian propaganda. He suggested revoking Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle, which was awarded to him in 2023 by then-President Andrzej Duda.
• Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhy characterized Poland’s reaction as “sharp” and stressed that Ukrainian forces view the UPA’s struggle primarily as a symbol of resistance against imperial policies from Moscow, rather than an affront to the Polish people.
• In the aftermath of the visit to Poland, Ukrainian presidential office head Kyrylo Budanov traveled to Warsaw. Following his visit, Ukrainian media reported that the delegation had successfully halted the “worst-case scenario” of developments. Conversely, Polish journalists described the meeting as “cool” and without significant breakthroughs.
• The chapter of the Order of the White Eagle considered the matter of Zelensky’s award on June 8, with Nawrocki’s spokesperson Rafal Leszkiewicz informing that the chapter had voiced its opinion to the Polish president, who would make a decision in due course.