Zelenskyy returns Poland's highest order by post

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent the Order of the White Eagle back to Polish President Karol Nawrocki by post, after Nawrocki decided to strip him of the award. Zelenskyy posted photos on social media from a Nova Poshta branch, Ukraine's largest private delivery company, showing the award addressed to the Chancellery of the President of Poland.

Zelenskyy noted that Nawrocki had said the day before that the Order of the White Eagle is no ordinary distinction. "It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland. If it is considered that this special symbol may remain with Catherine II, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine will not argue with that," Zelenskyy wrote.

The Ukrainian leader added that Ukraine is grateful to the Polish people for their support and cooperation, which are crucial in the struggle for independence from Russia. He stated that Ukraine will continue to defend itself in the war unleashed by Russia and will achieve a dignified peace. Zelenskyy emphasized openness to meaningful cooperation with Poland to avoid differing interpretations of painful historical pages and to ensure respect for all innocent victims of the 20th century.

Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar, and Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov announced they would return their Polish state awards. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed regret over the deepening dispute, noting it "pleases Putin and shocks our allies."