Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has publicly addressed President Karol Nawrocki’s controversial decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Tusk characterized the move as beneficial to Russian President Vladimir Putin and alarming to Poland’s allies.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Tusk emphasized the need for both President Zelensky and President Nawrocki to work towards de-escalating tensions rather than exacerbating them. He remarked, “The conflict between Poland and Ukraine pleases Putin and shocks our allies. The task of Presidents Zelensky and Nawrocki is to calm passions, not to inflame tensions. The front line lies elsewhere.”
The Order of the White Eagle is Poland’s highest honor, symbolizing deep trust and gratitude towards recipients. According to Polish law, the revocation of such an honor requires the Prime Minister’s counter-signature to take effect, meaning that the decision is not yet legally binding.
Prior to Tusk’s comments, President Nawrocki delivered a nearly 13-minute speech explaining his rationale for stripping Zelensky of the prestigious award. He underscored that the honor is not merely a decoration but a representation of a significant bond with Poland and its people.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Poland and Ukraine, raising concerns about the potential impact on their bilateral relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized President Nawrocki's decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Ukraine's Zelensky, calling it detrimental to regional alliances. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Poland and Ukraine, with implications for their diplomatic relations.