politics
Zelensky, Kuchma, Yushchenko, and Poroshenko Return Polish Orders of the White Eagle After Navrátil's Decision to Strip Ukrainian President of the Award
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as former presidents Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko, have refused the Polish Order of the White Eagle after Polish President Andrzej Duda stripped Zelensky of this award. Duda explained his decision by the fact that Zelensky renamed a unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in honor of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
TL;DR
- Ukrainian President Zelensky and former presidents Kuchma, Yushchenko, and Poroshenko have refused the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
- The decision stems from Polish President Duda's revocation of Zelensky's award.
- Duda cited Zelensky's renaming of a Ukrainian military unit in honor of the UPA as the reason for the revocation.
- Ukraine views the UPA as a symbol of independence, while Poland accuses it of involvement in the Volhynian massacre.
- Ukrainian officials believe Duda's decision weakens Ukrainian-Polish unity and benefits Russia.
- Zelensky stated the award was for the Ukrainian people and army, not just him personally.