Another Blow to Polish-Ukrainian Relations: Deputy Senate Speaker Returns State Honors

Deputy Senate Speaker Michał Kamiński has officially returned two Ukrainian state decorations, citing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions and the continued glorification of figures responsible for historical atrocities against Poles.

A Symbolic Gesture of Protest

The news of Michał Kamiński returning two Ukrainian state honors first appeared on the 300polityka.pl portal, which published the senator’s letter to the Ukrainian ambassador. Kamiński states that his decision is a direct response to recent actions and statements made by President Volodymyr Zelensky, which have received support from Ukraine’s political class.

Kamiński noted that he received these honors for his advocacy of Ukraine’s European integration, including drafting the first European Parliament report on Ukraine’s EU membership. He emphasized that he previously accepted these awards as a symbol of the strategic partnership between Poland and Ukraine.

Historical Disputes and the Volhynian Massacre

In his letter, Kamiński pointed to persistent difficulties regarding the exhumation of Polish victims of the Volhynian massacre. He criticized Ukraine for failing to unequivocally condemn the perpetrators of the mass murders committed by the OUN and UPA.

The senator questioned why Ukraine continues to find national heroes in circles responsible for one of the most tragic chapters in Polish-Ukrainian relations. He argued that when individuals linked to mass crimes are presented as role models for future generations, Poland has an obligation to react.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

The diplomatic rift deepened after President Zelensky named a military unit “Heroes of UPA” in late May, sparking widespread criticism in Poland. Following a debate by the Order of the White Eagle Chapter, Karol Nawrocki announced the revocation of the award previously granted to Zelensky, citing that the move was not directed against the Ukrainian people.

In response, Zelensky returned the Order of the White Eagle, maintaining that Ukraine remains grateful for Polish support. The fallout has led several former Ukrainian presidents and high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha and Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar, to renounce their own Polish state honors in protest of the decision.