Ukraine FM thanks Poles opposing tensions, cites Russia as common enemy

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed gratitude to Polish citizens who advocate against escalating tensions with Ukraine. Sybiha emphasized the shared threat posed by Russia, referring to it as an "eternal enemy." He conveyed hope for the future of bilateral relations, stating, "We are wise nations and have always been able to find a way out of difficult situations. We are united by a difficult history, a common future and the threat posed by our eternal enemy – Moscow."

The minister's remarks come in the wake of a diplomatic dispute. On June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to revoke Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle. This action was linked to the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Nawrocki stated that Poland would not support EU accession for those who do not renounce the "cult of totalitarianism and violence."

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I would like to thank every Pole who has clearly spoken out against escalating tensions with Ukraine. We are strong supporters of the same approach.

Following this decision, Sybiha, along with Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar and Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov, announced they would return any Polish state awards they had received. President Zelenskyy confirmed on June 20 that he had mailed the order back to Nawrocki. Notably, all Ukrainian presidents who have been awarded the Polish Order of the White Eagle have subsequently renounced it.

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We are wise nations and have always been able to find a way out of difficult situations. We are united by a difficult history, a common future and the threat posed by our eternal enemy – Moscow.