Kuchma renounces Poland's Order of the White Eagle in protest

Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has renounced the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state decoration. His decision is a direct response to Polish President Andrzej Duda's move to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the same honor.

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In connection with the decision of the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki to deprive the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, I decided to renounce this award, which I had the honor to receive in 1997.

Kuchma, who received the award in 1997, stated his action was a reaction to the Polish president's decision. He recalled his own presidency, emphasizing that building strong relations with Poland was a top priority. Kuchma highlighted collaborative efforts with then-Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski to foster closer ties, including addressing historical issues, which led to a joint reconciliation statement in 2003.

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We forgive and ask for forgiveness – this is a principle that President Kwaśniewski and I developed with the spiritual support of a great Pole, Pope John Paul II. For decades, this principle worked. True friendship between Ukraine and Poland became a fact.

"We forgive and ask for forgiveness – this is a principle that President Kwaśniewski and I developed with the spiritual support of a great Pole, Pope John Paul II. For decades, this principle worked. True friendship between Ukraine and Poland became a fact," Kuchma stated. He also acknowledged Poland's significant support for Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion, expressing confidence that Duda's action would not undermine this long-standing partnership.

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The invaluable help of Poland to Ukraine from the first hours of Russian aggression is the best proof of this. I am convinced that the current unfriendly step of President Nawrocki will not negate this achievement.

Despite historical disagreements, Kuchma stressed the importance for Poland and Ukraine to remain united against the common threat from Russia. He warned against allowing historical grievances to overshadow present dangers posed by Russia's imperial ambitions. Kuchma concluded by asserting that Ukraine and Poland need each other now more than ever and expressed hope for the wisdom and responsibility of leaders on both sides.

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We cannot allow the pain of historical tragedies to overshadow the real threat from imperial power in the East. It was this power that previously deprived our nations of statehood and does not hide that it may try to do so again.