Zelenskyy returns Polish state honor amid historical tensions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest state honor, after Polish President Andrzej Duda decided to revoke it amid tensions over historical issues between the two neighboring countries.

"We were convinced that the Order of the White Eagle in 2023 was awarded precisely to the Ukrainian people and our army. I believe that the future will confirm the respect that Ukrainians enjoy," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. The award is considered a symbol of the highest trust and special gratitude from the Polish state.

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We were convinced that the Order of the White Eagle in 2023 was awarded precisely to the Ukrainian people and our army. I believe that the future will confirm the respect that Ukrainians enjoy.

Despite returning the honor, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has not forgotten Poland's support and cooperation, particularly during its ongoing war against Russia. He stated that Ukraine remains open to all constructive forms of dialogue with Poland. The goal of this dialogue is to avoid any misinterpretations of the complex and painful pages of their shared history and to ensure respect for all innocent victims of the 20th century.

The decision to return the award comes after a period of strained relations, reportedly linked to differing interpretations of historical events. Zelenskyy's move signals a desire to de-escalate tensions while reaffirming Ukraine's historical narrative and its gratitude for Polish solidarity.

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Ukraine will remain open to all constructive forms of dialogue with Poland in order to avoid any misinterpretation of the complex and painful pages of our peoples' history and to guarantee the respect due to all innocent victims of the 20th century.