The Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle is reviewing a proposal to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of his honor following his decision to name a military unit after UPA leaders.
The Impending Decision on the Order
On Monday, the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle convened to discuss a proposal by President Karol Nawrocki to revoke the honor granted to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The motion follows the Ukrainian leader’s decision to name a military unit after the “Heroes of the UPA,” a move that triggered significant controversy in Poland.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski noted that President Nawrocki must now make a decision with profound implications for foreign policy. Sikorski expressed hope that both the Chapter and the President would act wisely, adding that it would be contradictory for the Order to be held by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, known for his ties to Vladimir Putin, while stripping it from a leader currently fighting against Russia.
Context and Diplomatic Strains
President Andrzej Duda originally awarded the Order of the White Eagle to Zelenskyy in April 2023, citing his role in strengthening Polish-Ukrainian relations and defending human rights. However, the Ukrainian government’s decision in May to designate a military formation as the “Heroes of the UPA” Center caused a wave of criticism, with Nawrocki arguing that such glorification fuels Russian disinformation.
In response to the resulting tensions, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Kyryło Budanow, held meetings in Warsaw last week with various Polish officials, including Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Marcin Przydacz. Polish representatives indicated that the Ukrainian side is aware of the sensitivities surrounding UPA-related topics and has expressed interest in continued dialogue.
Legal Framework for Revoking Honors
The revocation of an order falls under presidential prerogative, often initiated at the request of the Chapter or the Prime Minister. According to the law on orders and decorations, this may occur if it is determined that the award was granted based on misleading information or if the recipient has committed acts rendering them unworthy of the honor.
The Order of the White Eagle remains Poland’s oldest and highest state distinction. The current Chapter, chaired by the President, includes members such as Professor Michał Kleiber, Zofia Romaszewska, Adam Bujak, Wojciech Roszkowski, and Bronisław Wildstein.
