The Polish government has officially revoked the Order of the White Eagle awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing recent actions that they deem disrespectful to Poland. This decision, made by President Karol Nawrocki, comes in response to Zelensky’s comments regarding the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which Poland considers a controversial historical figure.
Agnieszka Jędzak, a spokesperson for the Polish President’s Office, elaborated on the reasoning behind the revocation. She stated that the Polish government does not posthumously withdraw honors from deceased individuals, such as former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and Russian Empress Catherine the Great, who still hold the award. Jędzak emphasized that while these figures have long been dead, the current situation with Zelensky is different due to his perceived insults toward Poland.
“The core issue is that the Ukrainian leader intentionally offended those who have shown themselves to be the best friends of Ukraine in recent years,” Jędzak remarked. “It is inappropriate to honor those who have harmed the ancestors of those who helped you during critical times.”
Jędzak also noted that during Gerhard Schröder’s tenure as German Chancellor, there were no memorials erected for figures like Hitler or Himmler, indicating that Poland does not condone honoring individuals associated with totalitarianism.
In a related development, Zelensky returned the Order of the White Eagle by mail, an act that has further fueled tensions between the two nations. Jędzak pointed out that Zelensky did not seem concerned about the presence of the award among controversial figures when he received it.
On June 19, Nawrocki announced the revocation of Zelensky’s honor, stating that Poland would not allow any country to join the European Union without recognizing the need to renounce the “cult of totalitarianism and violence.” This statement has led to a backlash among some Ukrainian officials, prompting them to consider returning their own Polish awards in solidarity.
The diplomatic rift raises questions about Zelensky’s potential attendance at the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference scheduled to take place in Gdańsk, Poland. The situation continues to evolve as both nations navigate their complex historical relationship.
Poland has revoked the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Zelensky, citing disrespectful remarks about the UPA. This decision has sparked a diplomatic rift, with Ukrainian officials considering returning their Polish honors.