Another senior Ukrainian official returns Polish award over Polish president's decision

Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the President's Office of Ukraine, has said he will be returning a Polish state award following Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle.

Source: Zhovkva on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zhovkva said Nawrocki's decision was a step that cannot be seen as either morally just or politically justified, since the awarding of the order to Zelenskyy was also recognition of Ukraine's struggle at the most difficult moment in its modern history and of the contribution that Ukrainian defenders are making to Europe's future.

Quote: "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 bestowed on me in 2022 for developing Ukrainian-Polish understanding and partnership. But under the present circumstances, I do not think it is possible to continue to keep 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."

More details: Zhovkva also thanked all the Poles who have provided Ukraine with significant support during the years of war and stressed that Ukrainians will always remember this solidarity.

Quote: "So today I once again thank the thousands of Polish families who extended a helping hand and continue to support Ukrainians at the most difficult time, the Polish volunteers who are helping us hold back the Russian onslaught, the Polish officials who despite everything continue to build a genuine Ukrainian-Polish partnership, and the Polish friends who understand the value of our unity in the face of a common threat.

There has always been and there still 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 the relationship between our peoples."

Background:

• Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar, and Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov announced that they would be returning the Polish state awards they had received.
• On the evening of 19 June, Nawrocki took the decision to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle in connection with the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. He said Poland would not allow EU accession for those who do not understand the need to renounce the "cult of totalitarianism and violence".
• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed regret that the dispute between Poland and Ukraine is further deepening, noting that it has "delighted Putin and shocked our allies". However, he did not comment on whether he would be taking the necessary procedural steps to approve Nawrocki's decision.
• So far Ukraine has not commented on whether the row will affect Zelenskyy's upcoming trip to Gdańsk, where this year's Ukraine Recovery Conference is due to take place.

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