Błaszczak Returns Ukrainian Decoration in Solidarity with Nawrocki

Former Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak has returned his Ukrainian merit order, citing solidarity with families seeking to honor victims and opposition to current Ukrainian government policies.

A Protest Against Kyiv’s Policy

Mariusz Błaszczak announced on social media that he is returning the Order of Merit he received from Ukrainian authorities. He described the gesture as a sign of solidarity with families who have spent decades waiting to honor their relatives, stating that the current Ukrainian government poses obstacles to this process.

Błaszczak framed his decision as support for Karol Nawrocki, arguing that the dignity of the Polish state and the memory of its victims are not open to negotiation. He emphasized that genuine reconciliation must be built upon the foundation of truth and respect for the victims.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

The move follows Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle after a Ukrainian military unit was named after UPA heroes. In response, Zelenskyy returned his Polish decoration, while several high-ranking Ukrainian officials and former presidents subsequently renounced their own Polish state honors.

Additionally, Deputy Senate Speaker Michał Kamiński announced he would return two Ukrainian awards, citing Kyiv’s glorification of nationalists involved in the Volhynia massacre.

Kaczyński Joins the Protest

Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, also announced he is returning his Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, which he received in 2022 for his contributions to the Ukrainian state. Kaczyński stated that while he initially preferred to avoid escalating the situation, he now believes the conflict is being aggressively driven by the Ukrainian side.