Nawrocki Explains Revocation of Order of the White Eagle from Zelenskyy: “The Pain Threshold Has Been Crossed”

During Saturday’s Silesian Uprising Day commemorations, Karol Nawrocki defended the decision to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, citing the Ukrainian naming of a military unit after the UPA.

Nawrocki: Poland Knows the Price of War

Karol Nawrocki stated that the president of any state must bear responsibility for the past, present, and future. He emphasized that Poles do not need to be taught about war or totalitarianism, whether Soviet or German.

Nawrocki asserted that Poland has a clear “pain threshold” regarding matters concerning the nation and its allies. He maintained that this limit was exceeded, necessitating his decision to strip President Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle.

Context of the Revocation

On Friday, Nawrocki announced the decision, made after consulting with the Order’s Chapter, following Zelenskyy’s approval of naming a Ukrainian military unit “Heroes of the UPA.” Nawrocki clarified that this action is not directed against the Ukrainian people and does not signal a change in Poland’s strategic security policy or its support for Ukraine against Russia.

Zelenskyy’s Response and Return of the Order

On Saturday, June 20, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he had returned the Order of the White Eagle to Nawrocki. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy noted that the Order is a symbol of trust and gratitude that requires respect for the values foundational to a community.

Zelenskyy added that if the symbol is to remain in the company of historical figures like Catherine II, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder, then Ukraine will not object to its return. He emphasized Ukraine’s ongoing gratitude for Polish support and its readiness for future cooperation.