Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had returned the Order of the White Eagle to Poland after the Polish authorities decided to revoke the country’s highest state award from him. He shared the statement on his Telegram channel.
“On the eve, the President of Poland noted that the Order of the White Eagle is not an ordinary decoration. It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland. It signifies a special bond with the Polish state and the gratitude of the Polish people. Such a symbol requires not only merit, but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our community,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president added that if the distinction can remain with Catherine II, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder, Ukraine would not dispute that decision. He stressed that in 2023 the award was understood as recognition of the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and therefore he decided to send it back to the President of Poland.
At the same time, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine remains grateful to the Polish people for their support and intends to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation while honoring their shared history and working together for Europe’s security and a just peace.
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