Zelensky Sends Order of the White Eagle to Navrocki Amid Historical Context

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently dispatched the Order of the White Eagle to Poland’s Navrocki through a courier service. The award, a prestigious symbol of trust from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, expresses the gratitude of the Polish people, Zelensky emphasized.

During this gesture, he acknowledged Poland’s decision regarding the award’s status and highlighted that it has been conferred upon historically contentious figures. “If it is believed that this special symbol can remain with Empress Catherine II of Russia, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, known for his connections to Russia’s illegitimate president Vladimir Putin, we in Ukraine will not dispute it,” Zelensky stated.

He further expressed appreciation for Poland’s support in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and the importance of collaboration for regional security. Zelensky affirmed Ukraine’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Poland on complex historical issues, aiming to respect the memories of 20th-century victims while avoiding misinterpretations of the past.

“We believed that the Order of the White Eagle was meant for the Ukrainian people and our army in 2023. Today, I have sent the order to the President of Poland. I think the future will confirm the respect for Ukrainians,” he added.

Background

• On May 26, Zelensky awarded the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces unit “North” the honorary title “in the name of the Heroes of the UPA.” This move drew criticism in Poland, particularly from Navrocki, who claimed such actions provided arguments for Russian propaganda and suggested revoking Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle.
• This led to disputes in both Ukrainian and Polish political circles. However, on June 19, Navrocki announced he had indeed revoked the award from Zelensky. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized this decision, stating it only benefits Moscow.
• Following the revocation of Zelensky’s award, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga announced he would refuse the Polish honor—Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit to Poland. The next day, the head of Ukraine’s Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, reported his refusal of the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit to Poland, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar also declined the Knight’s Cross.