Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar Refused the Polish Order Due to the Decision Regarding Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar announced the decision to return the Polish state award — the Knight's Cross of the Order "For Merit to the Republic of Poland."
According to the diplomat, this step was a response to the Polish side's decision to strip the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's highest state award — the Order of the White Eagle. Bodnar criticized this decision, calling it historically unjust.
"Understanding the emotions prevailing in Poland, I cannot accept that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy — a friend of Poland, the head of a state courageously defending itself from Russian aggression and protecting peace in Europe — has been deprived of Poland's highest award. In wartime... this decision is perceived especially painfully and emotionally, as a gesture against the entire Ukrainian people. Under these circumstances, I am forced to return the Knight's Cross of the Order," emphasized the Ukrainian ambassador.
At the same time, Vasyl Bodnar stressed that Ukraine highly values the solidarity of Polish society and the assistance millions of Polish citizens have provided to Ukrainians by welcoming them into their homes after the start of the full-scale war. According to him, this support will forever remain an important chapter in the history of Ukrainian-Polish relations.
The ambassador also noted that Ukraine and Poland share a common vision of key security challenges and equally recognize the threat posed by Russia. At the same time, he expressed hope that the Polish authorities will make decisions based on the strategic interests of both countries rather than under the influence of the current political situation.
So far, the Polish side has not officially commented on the statement of the Ukrainian diplomat.
Recall that the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki made the decision to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. This is the highest state award of Poland and one of the oldest orders in the world. Former President Andrzej Duda awarded it to Zelenskyy on April 5, 2023, for merits in strengthening Polish-Ukrainian relations and cooperation between the countries.
In turn, the head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov refused the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order "For Merit to Poland."
Subscribe to our Telegram channel t.me/sudua and to Google News SUD.UA, as well as to our VIBER and WhatsApp pages on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about the most important events.
