Polish President's Office dismisses Ukrainian foreign minister's criticism over award revocation

Zbigniew Bogucki, Head of the Chancellery of the President of Poland, has refuted claims by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha that revoking President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle was a strategic mistake. Speaking on Polish television channel wPolsce24, Bogucki said there was no mistake on Poland's part; rather, the error was made by Ukraine when President Zelenskyy decided to name an important Ukrainian unit after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), contrary to earlier agreements.

Bogucki explained that Polish President Karol Nawrocki first gave Ukraine an opportunity to reconsider by convening a chapter and seeking its opinion, followed by diplomatic talks. Ukraine failed to take that opportunity, so Nawrocki made a measured and considered decision.

On the evening of June 19, President Nawrocki decided to revoke the order due to the naming of a Ukrainian unit after the UPA, which Poland considers responsible for the genocide of Poles during the Volyn tragedy. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed regret over the deepening dispute, noting that it only pleases Putin and shocks allies. He did not comment on whether he would take procedural steps to endorse Nawrocki's decision.

Ukrainian officials, including Sybiha, announced they would return Polish state awards they had received. It remains unclear whether the scandal will affect Zelenskyy's planned trip to Gdańsk for the Ukraine Recovery Conference.