Budanov Refused the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order "For Merit to Poland"

"Unfortunately, Polish President Karol Nawrocki committed an unfriendly act against our people by revoking the Order of the White Eagle, previously awarded to the President of Ukraine. Undoubtedly, this is a gift for the Moscow aggressor, who will certainly use it against both our countries.

Our nations have long-standing relations and different pages in history — both heroic and tragic. However, this should be a reason for deep reflection, not crude political speculation. Ukraine does not dictate to any other nation how it should study its history. Therefore, we reserve the rightful claim to our own national memory and dignity.

I am convinced that this gesture by the Polish President is not about justice or anything else. For what justice can be discussed if, for example, the Italian fascist dictator and Hitler's associate Benito Mussolini has not yet been deprived of the Order of the White Eagle?" — wrote Kyrylo Budanov in his Telegram channel.

"Ukraine, without a doubt, will evaluate this event. But, despite everything, we will continue to stand firm on the principles of open partnership with all our allies. However, a partnership of equals, based on principles of mutual respect. Ukraine will continue to fight at the forefront of defending all of Europe, including Poland, paying the dearest price. But, like any Ukrainian, I cannot stand idly by and simply watch the baseless and artificially stirred up flywheel of hatred against our citizens.

Considering this, I refuse the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order "For Merit to Poland," with which the President of Poland honored me last year.

I am confident that Ukrainian society — both military and civilian — feels the same emotions and will support this step," he wrote.

Павялічыць

It became known yesterday that Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of Poland's highest award, the Order of the White Eagle.

The reason was Zelenskyy's decision to name one of the units of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine "Heroes of UPA".

Zelenskyy received the order in April 2023 from Andrzej Duda. At the time, this step was called a symbol of the historical rapprochement of the two nations, and the award was given for outstanding merits in deepening relations and security cooperation."

In Poland, where the memory of the Volyn tragedy of World War II is painful, this sparked a wave of outrage.

Following Nawrocki's decision, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that he had renounced the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order "For Merit to Poland" and promised to officially return the award to the Polish side in the near future.

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