Ukrainian Foreign Minister Accuses Nawrocki of Sabotaging Bilateral Relations

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has condemned Karol Nawrocki for undermining recent progress in Polish-Ukrainian relations, suggesting his actions have earned praise from Moscow, while the status of President Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit remains uncertain.

Sybiha: Nawrocki is a Destroyer

Andrii Sybiha, head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Nawrocki has dismantled positive achievements recently reached between the two nations. Sybiha’s comments were published on the ministry’s Telegram channel on Sunday, June 21.

The controversy follows Friday, June 19, when Karol Nawrocki returned his Order of the White Eagle after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces’ “North” Center after “Heroes of the UPA.” Zelenskyy subsequently had the decoration sent back to Warsaw via courier.

A Disrespectful Insult to the Nation

Sybiha characterized the situation as more than just a matter of orders, describing it as an insult to the Ukrainian president, soldiers, and the nation’s right to its own history. The minister warned that Ukraine will no longer tolerate foreign leaders dictating their historical narrative.

Dmytro Kuleba’s Sharp Criticism

Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that relations are in a deep crisis. He argued that Nawrocki’s decision was driven by political calculations and a desire to court voters rather than long-term Polish-Ukrainian interests.

Kuleba claimed that Nawrocki views Ukrainians through a hostile lens. He suggested that while the official avoids overt anti-Ukrainian slogans, his political actions are designed to ensure Ukrainians face difficulties both in Poland and within their own country.

Zelenskyy’s Potential Visit to Poland

The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) is scheduled for June 25-26 in Gdansk, with confirmation that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will attend.

Sybiha clarified that President Zelenskyy has not yet decided on his attendance. A report regarding the conference preparations and the impact of recent decisions will be presented to the President on Monday, after which a final decision will be made.