Zelensky returns Polish White Eagle Order amid escalating historical dispute

The mood was still good back then: Andrzej Duda (right), then President of Poland, presented Volodymyr Zelensky with the Order of the "White Eagle" in 2023. Source: Radek Pietruszka/PAP/dpa

The series of mutual insults between Poland and Ukraine continues: Volodymyr Zelensky has demonstratively returned an award from the neighboring country. He was joined by three former Ukrainian presidents: Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko.

Zelensky Sends Award Back to Warsaw

In the historical dispute between Poland and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn a line and sent a controversial order back to Warsaw. He understands that the Order of the White Eagle represents a special honor, Zelensky wrote on X. "It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland." Such a symbol requires merit but also respect for the values that form the basis of society.

"If, therefore, the view is held that this special symbol may remain with (Tsarina) Catherine II, (Italy's dictator) Benito Mussolini, and (former Chancellor) Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine have nothing to counter that," Zelensky continued.

At the same time, he struck a conciliatory tone. Ukraine will continue to be open "to all meaningful formats of cooperation" in order to avoid conflicting interpretations of the difficult and painful chapters of the shared past.

Background of the Dispute

The background is the decision of Polish President Karol Nawrocki to revoke Zelensky's "Order of the White Eagle" in a dispute over history.

"We had believed at the time that the Order of the White Eagle awarded in 2023 was intended for the Ukrainian people and the army," Zelensky wrote. That was how it was explained at the time. "Today, I sent the order back to the Polish president."

Zelensky and Ukrainian media posted photos from the post office of the Presidential Office in Kyiv, showing the packaged order addressed to Nawrocki.

Polish President's Statement

The Polish president stated in a declaration that the revocation was "not directed against the Ukrainian nation" and did not change the strategic direction of Poland's security policy.

Further Returns of Polish Awards

Head of Presidential Office Also Wants to Return Polish Award

The head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, also wants to return a state award from Poland. He is renouncing the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he was awarded last year, he wrote on Telegram this morning. Budanov spoke of an unfriendly gesture by Nawrocki towards the Ukrainian people and a gift to the aggressor Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also announced the return of an award.

Former Presidents Also Renounce Poland's Order

In protest against Nawrocki's decision, former Ukrainian heads of state renounced the honor.

• Leonid Kuchma (President 1994–2005) declared his renunciation of the Order of the White Eagle, which he had received in 1997, according to media reports. He stated he was convinced that this "unfriendly step" by President Nawrocki could not destroy the friendship between the two countries.
• Viktor Yushchenko (President 2005–2010) also announced that he wanted to renounce the award.
• Petro Poroshenko also joined the series.

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• Section: Opinion – Zelensky honor – The Bandera problem of Ukraine