Former Ukrainian prime minister also returns Polish state award

Former Ukrainian prime minister Volodymyr Hroisman has returned the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received while serving as mayor of Vinnytsia.

Source: Hroisman on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Hroisman said that he received the award in 2011 for developing regional cooperation with Polish cities.

Quote: "I am returning the order as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine and President Zelenskyy. Not out of resentment towards the Polish people, but with deep respect for them and gratitude for all the years of support, for the millions of Poles who opened their hearts and homes to our people after 24 February."

Details: Hroisman noted that it is natural for neighbours with such a deep and complex shared history to view the past differently, but that the past cannot be more important than a shared future.

Quote: "There is one thing that is not open to debate: today, a war is being fought. The real enemy is Russia. And while this war continues, we cannot afford disputes about the past. This is exactly what Moscow wants: for Warsaw and Kyiv to look backwards rather than forwards.

Ukraine and Poland are strategic allies. Not because it is written in declarations, but because our security, our freedom and our place in Europe are inseparable."

Background:

• On the evening of 19 June, Polish President Karol Nawrocki took the decision to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle in connection with the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. He said Poland would not allow EU accession for those who do not understand the need to renounce the "cult of totalitarianism and violence".
• Following this, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar, and Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov announced that they would be returning the Polish state awards they had received.
• On 20 June, Zelenskyy said he had sent the order back to Nawrocki by post.
• All Ukrainian presidents who have been awarded the Polish Order of the White Eagle have subsequently renounced it.

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