Ukraine Calls Poland's Withdrawal of Award to Zelenskyy a 'Strategic Error'

Ukraine has strongly condemned Poland's decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle, the nation's highest merit award, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian government views this move, stemming from a diplomatic crisis between the two countries, as a "strategic error."

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unjustified, impulsive, and dismissive steps that do not refer to Zelenskyy, but primarily to the Ukrainian state and only benefit Moscow.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga expressed his displeasure on Facebook, describing the actions as "unjustified, impulsive, and dismissive." He argued that these steps do not target Zelenskyy personally but "primarily the Ukrainian state" and serve only to benefit Moscow. In light of this, Sybiga announced his decision to return the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received in October 2022.

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For a year and a half, we have been actively working to resolve contradictions, depoliticize historical issues, unblock professional and scientific work, search and exhumation work, and reburials at the request of the Polish side.

Sybiga lamented that instead of seeking solutions to ongoing historical disputes and tensions, the Polish side has escalated the situation to an "unacceptable level." He asserted that no foreign president should dictate Ukraine's history. Kirill Budanov, head of Ukraine's presidential office and former intelligence chief, also announced his intention to return the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, awarded to him last year.

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This is a gift for the aggressor from Moscow, which will certainly be used against our two countries.

Budanov stated that the decision is a "gift for the aggressor from Moscow," which will undoubtedly be used against both countries. He believes Polish President Karol Nawrocki's gesture is not about justice, pointing out that figures like Benito Mussolini still hold the highest Polish distinction. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has reportedly criticized the situation, suggesting it only aids the Kremlin and that both presidents should focus on de-escalation rather than fueling tension.

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there are limits that cannot be crossed in relations between Poland and Ukraine and the former must defend its national interests.