Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle: A Polish View on Historical Memory and Political Pragmatism

Michał Szułdrzyński, a commentator for Rzeczpospolita, voices deep concern over the intense backlash against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision concerning the Order of the White Eagle. He notes that approximately 95% of social media commentary is critical, describing it as a worrying spiral of animosity that could damage Polish-Ukrainian relations.

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95 percent of all posts on social media and comments are critical of President Zelenskyy's decision. And I must say that this situation worries me greatly, because I have the impression that a spiral of dislike is building up.

Szułdrzyński believes the issue extends beyond a single decision, touching upon how nations construct historical memory and choose their heroes. He questions whether international relations should be held hostage by unresolved historical conflicts, suggesting that constantly revisiting past grievances is unproductive. This debate is not unique to Poland and Ukraine, as similar disputes arise concerning other nations and historical figures.

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Memory divides nations. It does not unite.

The discussion also touches upon the evolving Ukrainian national identity amidst the war with Russia. Szułdrzyński acknowledges Ukraine's efforts to forge its own symbols and heroes, moving away from its Soviet past. However, he stresses that this process should not involve ignoring historical atrocities like the Volhynia massacre or disregarding Polish historical sensitivities.

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Are we going to endlessly ponder here who did what to whom and when? Isn't this a path to nowhere?

He poses a critical question: should Poland adopt a confrontational stance towards a nation fighting Russian aggression and requiring support? Regarding the potential revocation of Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle, Szułdrzyński predicts it would likely intensify the cult of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in Ukraine and escalate tensions. He concludes that, apart from Russia, no other party benefits from such a move, emphasizing the need for political prudence and strategic thinking in managing Polish-Ukrainian relations during this critical period.

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This is a nation that, in large part, is rebuilding, recreating its identity.