On 19 June, the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, stripped the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of the country’s highest honour — the Order of the White Eagle.
The reason was a decree by the Ukrainian president conferring the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA” on the “Sever” Special Operations Centre. In Poland, where the UPA is associated with the Volhynia tragedy, Kyiv’s decision sparked protests.
The Office of the President of Ukraine declined to comment on the situation, but yesterday Zelenskyy made a public statement via social media, in which he addressed the President of Poland and set out his position:
“The day before, the President of Poland noted that the Order of the White Eagle is no ordinary award. It is a symbol of the highest trust bestowed by the Republic of Poland. It signifies a special bond with the Polish state and the people’s profound gratitude. Such a symbol requires not only merit, but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our society.
So, if it is considered that this special symbol may remain with Catherine II, Benito Mussolini and Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine will not argue with that.
Ukraine is grateful to the Polish people for their support and cooperation, which play a significant role in the struggle for our and your independence from Russia.
Ukraine never forgets the importance of solidarity and knows that cooperation between states and peoples in our region is one of the tangible guarantees of security for both Ukrainians and every neighbouring state.
Ukraine will continue to defend itself in this war unleashed by Russia, and we will certainly achieve a just peace.
Ukraine is grateful to all peoples, states and leaders who will continue to stand with us on the path to defending freedom and who, together with Ukraine, will become the guarantors of post-war peace in Europe and a new, genuine security.
Ukraine will remain open to all meaningful forms of cooperation with Poland, in an effort to prevent misinterpretations of the complex and painful chapters of our peoples’ past and to ensure due respect for all the innocent victims of the 20th century.
And we Ukrainians are doing everything in our power to prevent Europe’s defeat in this century.
I am proud of our people and of EVERY Ukrainian soldier — the millions of Ukrainian men and women who deserve unqualified respect for the heroism shown by the Ukrainian people in defense against Russian aggression.
We believed that the Order of the White Eagle was intended for the Ukrainian people and our army in 2023. That is what was said at the time. Today, I have sent the Order to the President of Poland.
I believe that the future will confirm respect for Ukrainians.
Glory to Ukraine!”