Ukraine Foreign Minister to Return Polish Honor After Nawrocki’s Stripping Decision

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced he will return his Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland following Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle.

A Strategic Mistake

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized the move to strip President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, labeling it a strategic error that benefits only Moscow. He expressed regret that emotions in Warsaw led to what he described as unjustified and disparaging steps against the Ukrainian state.

Sybiha stated that in light of these actions, he no longer sees a way to retain his own state award, the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, granted in October 2022. He announced his intention to return the decoration to Poland shortly.

A Call for Mutual Respect

Sybiha emphasized that the issue is not about medals, but about mutual respect. He stated that Kyiv has always advocated for respectful dialogue, even on complex and problematic issues, assuming that both sides respect each other’s decisions regardless of disagreement.

The Foreign Minister noted that Ukraine has worked for eighteen months to resolve historical disputes, de-politicize historical issues, and collaborate on scientific and exhumation works, including projects currently underway in Huta Pieniacka. He characterized the current escalation as counterproductive and unnecessary.

Nawrocki’s Move and Official Reaction

Karol Nawrocki announced his decision on the X platform, stating that as a member of the Order of the White Eagle Chapter, he felt obligated to defend the honor of the decoration. He cited President Zelenskyy’s approval of naming a Ukrainian military unit after UPA heroes as the reason for his decision to revoke the honor.

Nawrocki insisted the move is not directed against the Ukrainian people and does not change Poland’s strategic support for Ukraine against Russia. However, the decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle requires a countersignature from Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose stance remains unknown.

The Presidential Office in Kyiv declined to comment on the matter when approached by the Polish Press Agency.