Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has sharply criticised President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, describing his reaction as inappropriate.
- Sikorsky criticised Navrotsky’s decision.
- Poland’s reaction to the revocation of the award was disproportionate.
- The conflict arose over a name linked to the UPA.
- Tusk described the deterioration in relations as a strategic mistake.
The political dispute between Warsaw and Kyiv
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radoslav Sikorsky spoke out against the decision by President Karol Nawrocki, who had revoked Order of the White Eagle from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Sikorski, the Polish side’s reaction was disproportionate, as it effectively amounted to a personal insult to the Ukrainian president.
The conflict escalated after Navrotsky explained that his decision stemmed from his opposition to the awarding of an honorary title linked to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army to one of the Ukrainian military units (UPA). This issue remains an extremely sensitive one for Polish society. In response to the Polish president’s actions, Zelenskyy returned the award, emphasising that he had regarded it as a tribute to the entire Ukrainian people fighting against Russian aggression.
The position of the Polish leadership
Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk He also commented on the situation, describing the deterioration in relations between Warsaw and Kyiv as a strategic mistake that plays into Russia’s hands. Sikorski backed this view, noting that such moves are exploited by Russian propaganda to destabilise relations between the countries.
Historical issues and their impact
Poland remains one of Ukraine’s key allies in countering Russian aggression. However, historical issues, such as memories of the UPA, occasionally become a source of political tension between the two countries. Statements by the leadership of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicate a desire on the part of some within the Polish authorities to prevent these disputes from undermining the strategic partnership between Kyiv and Warsaw.
