The Polish authorities have officially revoked the Order of the White Eagle, which had previously been awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, this development was confirmed by Rafal Leskiewicz, spokesperson for the Polish President, in a statement to Polsat News.
Reports indicate that the order has been returned to the Presidential Office. Leskiewicz stated that the revoked award will be held by the Office of Decorations and Appointments and will not be presented to any individual in the future. President Zelensky reportedly returned the order via mail to the Polish side on June 20.
The decision to revoke and return the award follows significant diplomatic friction between Poland and Ukraine regarding historical narratives. Leskiewicz emphasized that Warsaw could not remain indifferent to President Zelensky's decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after members of the UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army). The UPA is widely regarded in Poland as a criminal organization, and this action has caused considerable dissatisfaction within the Polish government.
The Order of the White Eagle is Poland's highest state decoration, awarded to both civilians and the military for their significant contributions to the country. The revocation of such a high-level honor underscores the depth of the current historical and political disagreements between the two nations, particularly concerning the legacy of the Second World War and the activities of nationalist organizations in the region.
