Ukraine envoy refuses Polish award over historical disputes

Ukraine's Ambassador to the Czech Republic, V. Zvaryčius, has publicly refused a state award from Poland, expressing his deep disappointment with certain elements of the Polish political elite. He stated on Facebook that his decision stems from a "deep sense of justice" and a commitment to "loyalty to the interests of the Ukrainian state."

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Loyalty to the interests of the Ukrainian state, for the honor and dignity of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, my fellow diplomats, and the free and unbreakable Ukrainian people, as well as a deep sense of justice, compel me to refuse the state award of the Republic of Poland.

Zvaryčius's refusal is directly linked to Polish President Andrzej Duda's decision in July 2024 to revoke the highest state award, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This move followed controversy over naming a Ukrainian military unit in honor of heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Zvaryčius described President Nawrocki's reaction as "disproportionate and irresponsible."

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such a reaction is, to put it mildly, disproportionate and irresponsible.

The ambassador stressed that while Ukrainians value their friendship with Poland and are grateful for its support during Russia's aggression, a segment of the Polish political elite appears unwilling or unable to grasp the true cost and values for which Ukrainians are fighting. He accused some Polish politicians of "political egoism" that undermines previous reconciliation efforts.

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some representatives of the Polish political elite do not understand or do not want to understand the true price of Ukrainian freedom and the values for which Ukrainians are fighting against Russia.

Zvaryčius emphasized that true reconciliation requires acknowledging the suffering of both nations and respecting each country's sovereign right to its historical memory and heroes. He noted that Ukrainians recognize crimes committed by members of the Ukrainian underground against Polish civilians and respect Polish victims, but also highlighted crimes committed against Ukrainians that should not be ignored. His refusal of the award is framed not as disrespect to the Polish people, but as a protest against actions weakening Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation efforts.

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For true reconciliation, it is necessary to recognize the suffering of both peoples and respect the sovereign right of each country to its historical memory and heroes.