Former Ukrainian ambassador to Poland renounces Polish award in protest

Vasyl Zvarych, who served as Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, announced on Facebook his decision to renounce the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit, awarded to him in July 2024 by then-President Andrzej Duda. Zvarych stated that loyalty to Ukrainian state interests, the honor of President Zelenskyy, the Armed Forces, and the Ukrainian people compels him to give up this Polish honor.

He called Polish President Karol Nawrocki's reaction to Zelenskyy's decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army disproportionate and irresponsible. Zvarych wrote that Nawrocki has cast doubt on decades of Ukrainian-Polish reconciliation work, which was initiated by people who lived through the tragic history. He stressed that no one outside Ukraine can dictate who Ukrainians consider heroes, especially while Ukrainian soldiers are dying fighting Russian aggression.

Zvarych emphasized that his renunciation is not disrespect to Poles but a protest against destroying the reconciliation legacy. The background: On June 19, Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle over the UPA naming, and on June 20, Zelenskyy returned the award by mail.