Nawrocki reveals what led him to strip Zelenskyy of Poland's top honor
Polish President Karol Nawrocki (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was stripped of Poland's highest state award because the actions of the Ukrainian leadership crossed Warsaw's "pain threshold," according to Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
Decision details
Speaking during ceremonies marking the National Day of Silesian Uprisings, Karol Nawrocki explained the reasoning behind his move.
He said the Polish people do not need to be taught what war and the Russian threat mean, as the country fought for its independence for a long time.
"We are a proud Polish nation, and we have a pain threshold when it comes to issues that affect us and our allies. That threshold was crossed, and that is why I stripped President Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle," Nawrocki said.
He added that throughout the 20th century, Poland was free for only 31 years, while during other periods it resisted totalitarian regimes and Soviet colonizers.
Reaction to Poland's move
The award had previously become the center of a diplomatic dispute. Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle over disagreements related to historical memory and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
In response, the Ukrainian leader said the award had been viewed as recognition directed to the entire Ukrainian people and the army, but he decided to return it to Warsaw. Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially sent his Order of the White Eagle back to Poland by mail.
In addition, this decision by Poland prompted reactions from other Ukrainian officials. In particular, Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov called Warsaw's move political speculation and, in solidarity, refused his own Polish award—the Gold Officer's Cross of the Order "For Merit to Poland."
