Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has publicly condemned President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to revoke Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state honor.
Tusk emphasized that any public discord between Warsaw and Kyiv is counterproductive given the current geopolitical climate and benefits only the aggressor nation. He urged both leaders to exercise restraint and avoid escalating diplomatic tensions.
“The task of Presidents Zelensky and Nawrocki is to lower emotions, not to heighten tensions. The frontline is elsewhere,” Tusk stated.
This decision was officially made by President Nawrocki on June 19, following consultations with the Chapter of the Order. The Polish leader justified his action by citing Zelensky’s agreement to name a part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the ‘Heroes of the UPA,’ which he argued undermines trust and is unacceptable, especially considering Poland’s unprecedented military support for Ukraine.
Nawrocki clarified that this decision is not directed against the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, the Office of the President of Ukraine has stated that it will not comment on the decision of its Polish counterpart at this time.
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has criticized President Nawrocki's revocation of an honor from Ukraine's President Zelensky, stressing the need for diplomatic restraint. The decision reflects ongoing tensions regarding military support and historical sensitivities between the two nations.