In response to the recent decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, activists in Poland have announced the creation of their own recognition, the “Order of the Future.” This initiative aims to honor Zelensky for his leadership during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Activists representing the liberal-democratic segment of Polish society have expressed their disagreement with Nawrocki’s actions, arguing that such moves only serve to bolster Russian propaganda. They emphasized that Ukrainians are sacrificing their lives not only for their own security but also for that of Poland and Europe.
“The decision made by the Polish head of state illustrates how Russian traps operate. Polish right-wing forces are launching their election campaign ahead of parliamentary elections and are ruthlessly exploiting the Volhynia tragedy for political gain,”
the activists stated, referring to historical tensions between Poland and Ukraine. They criticized the focus on past grievances while contemporary issues persist, noting that people continue to die in Ukraine daily.
The “Order of the Future” was designed by prominent Polish artist and graphic designer Szymon Szymankiewicz. The activists declared their intention to present this award as a grassroots initiative, underscoring that many Poles remain supportive of Ukraine despite political disagreements.
In a related context, President Nawrocki’s decision to strip Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle was based on the latter’s earlier decree to honor a Ukrainian military unit with the name of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Nawrocki articulated that this action crossed a line for many in Polish society, as the UPA is often associated with historical atrocities.
Following this revocation, Zelensky returned the Order of the White Eagle to Nawrocki, sharing images of the package being sent back. This act of symbolic defiance was echoed by former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko, who also chose to decline the honor, asserting that it was intended for the Ukrainian people rather than individual leaders.
The ongoing tensions surrounding these awards highlight the complex historical and political relationship between Poland and Ukraine, particularly in light of the current geopolitical climate.
Polish activists have created the 'Order of the Future' to honor President Zelensky after his Order of the White Eagle was revoked by President Nawrocki. This move reflects ongoing tensions in Polish-Ukrainian relations amid the current conflict in Ukraine.