Ukrainian Politicians Massively Refuse Polish Awards 0 17

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko also refused the same order. This was reported by the politician's press secretary Irina Vannikova on Facebook. This award, as stated in the publication, was given not only to a specific individual but also "became a symbol of respect for the Ukrainian people." "That is why any attempts to reconsider this decision today go far beyond the relationship with one politician," the statement said.

Former Ukrainian Presidents Leonid Kuchma and Petro Poroshenko also announced their refusal of the Order of the White Eagle.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga refused the Commander's Cross with a star of the Order of Merit for Poland.

Budanov Refused the Golden Officer's Cross

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov stated that he is refusing the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit for Poland, which he was awarded in 2025. He called Warsaw's actions regarding Zelensky a "hostile act" against Ukrainians and a "gift for the Moscow aggressor."

"I am convinced that this gesture from the President of Poland is not about justice or anything like that. After all, what kind of justice can we talk about if, for example, the Order of the White Eagle has not yet been stripped from the Italian fascist dictator and Hitler's accomplice Benito Mussolini?" he wrote on social media.

Kyrylo Budanov emphasized that Ukraine does not dictate to other nations how to teach their history and reserves the right to its own national memory and dignity. He promised that Kyiv would assess this event but intends to continue firmly standing on the foundation of open and equal partnership with all allies.

"Like any Ukrainian, I cannot remain on the sidelines and simply watch as the wheel of hatred is unjustifiably and artificially spun against our citizens. Given this, I refuse the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit for Poland, which I was awarded," Budanov explained.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Also Returns His Award

Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar announced that in light of recent events, he too will return the Polish award given to him. The diplomat pointed out that Ukrainians perceive Poland primarily as a friend, ally, and partner, recalling the significant wave of support at the beginning of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine.

He also emphasized that Kyiv and Warsaw have had and continue to have many common interests, particularly in the field of security. Bodnar noted that during his tenure, he has worked and continues to work to ensure that Polish-Ukrainian relations develop and all issues are resolved, highlighting that significant progress has been made over the past year and a half.

"But I cannot remain indifferent to a decision that I consider historically unjust. Understanding the emotions prevailing in Poland, I cannot accept that the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky—a friend of Poland, the head of a state that is courageously defending itself against the Russian aggressor and upholding peace in Europe—is deprived of the highest Polish award," he emphasized.

"In the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, under attacks from missiles and drones, this decision is perceived particularly painfully and emotionally, as a gesture towards the entire Ukrainian people. In these circumstances, I am compelled to return the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit for the Republic of Poland," Vasyl Bodnar concluded, expressing his belief that ultimately "wisdom will prevail over emotions, and mutual respect will triumph over political conjuncture."

Scandal with Poland Over UPA

Navrotsky decided to strip Zelensky of the highest Polish award after the Ukrainian president conferred the honorary title "in the name of the Heroes of the UPA" to the Separate Center for Special Operations "North" of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

However, in a special address, Navrotsky emphasized that this decision is not directed against the Ukrainian people and does not signify a change in the strategic direction of Polish security policy: "We have supported and continue to support Ukraine because we know that Russian aggression poses a threat to the security of Poland and all of Europe."

"Strategic Mistake"

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga called Karol Navrotsky's decision a "strategic mistake" that will benefit only Moscow. He also refused the Polish Commander's Cross with a star of the Order of Merit for Poland awarded to him in October 2022.

Zelensky himself has not yet commented on the withdrawal of the award, which was given to him in 2023 by then-President of Poland Andrzej Duda "in recognition of his outstanding contributions to deepening friendly and comprehensive relations between Poland and Ukraine, for developing cooperation for democracy, peace, and security in Europe," reports "Deutsche Welle."