Kuchma and Yushchenko Renounce Order of the White Eagle Following Nawrocki Decision

Former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko have returned their Order of the White Eagle awards in protest of Karol Nawrocki’s move to revoke the honor from Volodymyr Zelensky.

Protest Against the Revocation of Zelensky’s Order

Leonid Kuchma’s decision was announced Saturday by his foundation’s spokesperson, Darka Olifer, followed shortly by Viktor Yushchenko. Kuchma stated that after Karol Nawrocki’s decision to deprive President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, he could no longer keep the honor he received in 1997.

Viktor Yushchenko’s former spokesperson, Iryna Vannykova, confirmed he also returned the order as a gesture of opposition against efforts to reconsider the decoration awarded to the current Ukrainian president.

Legacy of Reconciliation and Historical Principles

Kuchma emphasized that during his presidency, building strong ties with Poland was a top priority. He cited his 2003 joint statement on reconciliation with Aleksander Kwasniewski and their commitment to the principle of “we forgive and ask for forgiveness,” supported by John Paul II.

Yushchenko noted that the order served as a symbol of respect for the Ukrainian people. He argued that undermining this decision reaches beyond a single politician, affecting millions of Ukrainians defending their country on the front lines.

Ukraine Rejects Foreign Dictation of History

Kuchma asserted that Ukraine did not fight against Russian invasion, which was justified by Moscow through historical claims, only to have other nations dictate its history or decide whom to honor today. He stated that past tragedies should not blind the nations to the current, real threat posed by imperial forces in the East.

Widespread Return of Polish Honors

Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed earlier on Saturday that he had sent the order back to Karol Nawrocki. Other Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov, deputy Ihor Zhovkva, and Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar, have also renounced their Polish decorations.

The Context of the Decision

Karol Nawrocki announced his decision on Friday, citing the naming of a Ukrainian Armed Forces unit after “UPA heroes.” Nawrocki maintained that this does not constitute a change in Poland’s security policy or support for Ukraine, though Donald Tusk warned that the escalating conflict benefits Vladimir Putin.

Volodymyr Zelensky was awarded the Order of the White Eagle in 2023 by Andrzej Duda for his contributions to Polish-Ukrainian relations and human rights. Leonid Kuchma received the award in 1997, and Viktor Yushchenko during his term.