politics
Zelensky Returns Polish Award After Decree Honoring WWII Fighters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned the Order of the White Eagle after Polish President Karol Nawrocki said he would revoke it. The move follows Zelensky's May 26 decree honoring World War II fighters who opposed the Soviet Union. Other Ukrainian officials also said they would surrender their Polish awards.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned the Order of the White Eagle before Polish President Karol Nawrocki could revoke it, Washington Examiner reported. Zelensky signed a decree on May 26 honoring World War II Ukrainian fighters who fought against the Soviet Union. Nawrocki had received the award in April 2023.
Nawrocki called the decree "outrageous and damaging to trust between our nations" in a statement Friday. " The Ukrainian Insurgent Army, formed in 1942, initially collaborated with Nazi Germany before clashing with German and Soviet forces. Members of the group attacked Polish villages during and after World War II, an action the Polish Parliament has designated a genocide.
Zelensky's chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and three former Ukrainian presidents said they would give up their Polish state awards. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the conflict between the countries delights Russian leader Vladimir Putin and shocks allies. Tusk added that the task of the two presidents is to calm emotions rather than stoke tensions.
Poland allowed millions of fleeing Ukrainians into the country after Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Much of the weapons sent to Ukraine from the United States and Europe travel through Poland. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said last week that the alliance is in a window of opportunity to provide more support focused on Ukraine's priorities.
