Kuchma refuses Polish Order of the White Eagle in solidarity with Zelenskyy
Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has announced he is refusing the Polish Order of the White Eagle after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the same award.
Leonid Kuchma, who served as Ukraine's second president from 1994 to 2004, has decided to refuse the Polish Order of the White Eagle. The move comes in response to Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to revoke the same award from incumbent Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The statement was released by Darka Olifer, press secretary of Kuchma's foundation. The former president emphasized that his decision is a direct reaction to Nawrocki's action against Zelenskyy. Kuchma noted that he was honored to receive the order in 1997, but under the current circumstances, he will renounce it.
The Order of the White Eagle is Poland's highest decoration, awarded for outstanding civilian and military contributions. Kuchma received it for his role in strengthening Ukrainian-Polish relations. Nawrocki's decision to strip Zelenskyy of the award has caused significant controversy, especially as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.
