Today at 19:21
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had returned Poland’s Order of the White Eagle after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the distinction, stressing that Ukraine remains grateful to the Polish people and committed to maintaining dialogue despite historical disagreements, UATV English reports.
In a statement, Zelenskyy noted that Nawrocki had recently described the Order of the White Eagle as a symbol of the highest trust and gratitude of the Polish state. He added that if the distinction could remain associated with figures such as Catherine II, Benito Mussolini and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, “Ukraine will not argue with that.”
The Ukrainian president thanked the Polish people for their support, saying cooperation between the two nations remains vital for the security of the region and for resisting Russian aggression.
“Ukraine never forgets solidarity and understands that cooperation between our states and peoples is one of the guarantees of security for Ukrainians and for every neighboring country,” Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that Ukraine would continue fighting against Russia and would achieve a just peace, while remaining open to meaningful formats of cooperation with Poland to address difficult historical issues and honor all innocent victims of the twentieth century.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainians had always believed the Order of the White Eagle awarded in 2023 was dedicated not only to him personally but to the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces.
“That is what was said at the time. Today I sent the Order to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm respect for Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said.
The dispute comes after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that tensions between Poland and Ukraine benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged both sides to avoid escalating emotions. Earlier, Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced they would return Polish state honors they had received in previous years in response to Warsaw’s decision.
