The Polish government has responded to inquiries regarding the continued association of the Order of the White Eagle with historical figures, including the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and Russian Empress Catherine II. Agnieszka Jędrzejak, the Minister in the Office of the President of Poland, clarified that the rule is straightforward: posthumous awards are not revoked.
Jędrzejak also commented on the retention of the order by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, known for his close ties to Russia. She noted, “Schröder has never openly insulted the Polish nation as President Zelensky has, although his activities in favor of Putin’s Russia should indeed be condemned as harmful to Poland and Europe.”
She emphasized that during Schröder’s tenure, Germany did not witness any actions comparable to those that led to the recent scandal involving Ukraine. “Under Schröder’s leadership, no monuments were erected in honor of Hitler or Himmler. No part of the Bundeswehr was named after ‘SS heroes’,” she added.
The controversy intensified when, on June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, the country’s highest state honor. This decision was prompted by Zelensky’s announcement to bestow an honorary title on a unit of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces in honor of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
Following this, several former Ukrainian presidents, including Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko, renounced their Polish honors. Additionally, key Ukrainian officials, such as Kirill Budanov, head of the President’s Office, and Andriy Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also declined their Polish awards.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Polish Council of Entrepreneurs has urged both nations to cease public disputes and return to pragmatic dialogue. Business leaders warned that continued escalation could severely impact the economies of both countries.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the involvement of Polish and Ukrainian politicians in the conflict as a strategic mistake that could harm both nations economically, geopolitically, and reputationally.
The Polish government has clarified its stance on the Order of the White Eagle amid controversy involving historical figures and recent actions by Ukrainian President Zelensky. Business leaders have called for a resolution to prevent economic repercussions.