Ukraine official to return Polish award over Zelenskyy honor revocation

Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the President's Office of Ukraine, announced he will return a Polish state award he received in 2022. This action is a direct response to Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle previously awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zhovkva stated that Nawrocki's decision lacks moral and political justification. He argued that the award to Zelenskyy recognized Ukraine's fight during a critical period and the contribution of Ukrainian defenders to Europe's future. Zhovkva expressed that he could no longer keep the award under the current circumstances, extending respect to the Polish people and gratitude for their support.

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It was a great honour for me to accept the Polish state distinction – the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland – which was awarded to me in 2022 for developing Ukrainian-Polish understanding and partnership. But under the current circumstances, I do not consider it possible to continue keeping this award. With respect for the Polish people and gratitude to all Poles who have supported and continue to support Ukraine, I have decided to return the order.

He thanked Polish families, volunteers, and officials for their significant assistance during the war. Zhovkva stressed that Ukrainians will always remember this solidarity and expressed hope for a new history between the two nations based on mutual respect and historical justice. This move by Zhovkva follows similar announcements from other Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar.

The dispute escalated after President Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of his award, citing the naming of a Ukrainian unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Nawrocki stated Poland would not support EU accession for those who do not renounce "the cult of totalitarianism and violence." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk regretted the deepening dispute, noting it benefits Russia and concerns allies, though he did not comment on Nawrocki's decision.

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That is why today I once again thank the thousands of Polish families who extended a helping hand and continue to support Ukrainians in the most difficult time, Polish volunteers who help us hold back the Russian onslaught, Polish officials who, despite everything, continue to build a genuine Ukrainian-Polish partnership and Polish friends who understand the value of our unity in the face of a common threat. There has always been and remains a chance to create a new history between our peoples based on the formula 'we forgive and ask for forgiveness'... I am convinced that mutual respect and historical justice must remain the foundation of relations between our peoples.