Ukraine's ambassador to Poland also returns his Polish state award
Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar has announced that he will return a Polish state award he previously received, following Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle after a Ukrainian military unit was renamed after the Heroes of the UPA. [The UPA, or Ukrainian Insurgent Army, was a nationalist paramilitary organisation that fought for Ukrainian independence during and after World War II, primarily against Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union – ed.]
Source: Bodnar on social media, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Bodnar stressed that Ukrainians primarily see Poland as a friend, ally and partner, recalling the strong wave of support at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
He also highlighted that Kyiv and Warsaw share and continue to share many common interests, particularly in the area of security.
Bodnar said he has worked in his role to ensure the development of Polish-Ukrainian relations and to resolve difficult issues, noting that significant progress has been made over the past year and a half.
"But I cannot remain indifferent to a decision I consider historically unjust. While understanding the emotions in Poland, I cannot accept that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – a friend of Poland, the leader of a country courageously defending itself against Russian aggression and protecting peace in Europe – has been stripped of Poland's highest award," he said.
"Under the conditions of Russia's war against Ukraine, amid missile and drone attacks, this decision is perceived as particularly painful and emotional, as a gesture towards the entire Ukrainian people. In these circumstances, I am compelled to return the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland," Bodnar stressed.
He expressed confidence that in the end "wisdom will prevail over emotions and mutual respect over political expediency".
"We may have different views, we may disagree, but we must not lose the ability to listen to one another and seek solutions through dialogue. Let us remember that it is Moscow that always benefits from our disputes… I am confident that, with goodwill, we will find sensible solutions," he added.
Background: On the evening of 19 June, Nawrocki decided to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, citing the naming of a Ukrainian unit after the UPA, and stated that Poland would not support EU accession for those who do not understand the need to reject a "cult of totalitarianism and violence".
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