Zelenskyy posts Order of White Eagle back to Polish president – photos

Jun 21, 2026 - 03:11

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posted the Order of the White Eagle back to Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who earlier decided to strip the Ukrainian leader of the award.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

The Order of the White Eagle before it was sent via Nova Poshta Photo: Zelenskyy on social media

Details: Zelenskyy posted a photo from a branch of Nova Poshta, Ukraine's largest private delivery company, showing that the award has been sent to the address of the Chancellery of the President of Poland.

The international waybill for the Order of the White Eagle Photo: Zelenskyy on social media

Zelenskyy said Nawrocki had noted the day before that the Order of the White Eagle was no ordinary distinction.

Quote: "It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland. It signifies a special bond with the Polish state and the special gratitude of the Polish People. Such a symbol requires not only merit, but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our community. Therefore, 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."

More details: Ukraine, Zelenskyy added, is grateful to the Polish people for their support and cooperation, which play a significant role "in the struggle for our and your independence from Russia".

Quote: "Ukraine never forgets solidarity and understands that cooperation between states and peoples in our region is one of the tangible security guarantees for Ukrainians and for each neighbouring state. Ukraine will continue to defend itself in this war unleashed by Russia, and we will undoubtedly achieve a dignified peace. Ukraine is grateful to all peoples, states and leaders who will continue to stand with us in the defence of freedom and who, together with Ukraine, will serve as guarantors of postwar peace in Europe and a new, real security."

More details: Zelenskyy said Ukraine will remain open to all meaningful forms of cooperation with Poland in an effort to avoid conflicting interpretations of the difficult and painful chapters in the two nations' past and to ensure proper respect for all innocent victims of the 20th century.

Quote: "And Ukrainians are doing everything in our power to ensure that Europe does not suffer defeat in this century. I am proud of our people and of EVERY Ukrainian warrior – of the millions of Ukrainian men and women who deserve unquestionable respect for the heroism the Ukrainian People have shown in defending themselves against Russian aggression. We believed that the Order of the White Eagle, awarded in 2023, was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army. That is what was said at the time. Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve."

Background:

On the evening of 19 June, 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".
Earlier, 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.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed regret that the dispute between Poland and Ukraine is further deepening, noting that it has "delighted Putin and shocked our allies". However, he did not comment on whether he would be taking the necessary procedural steps to approve Nawrocki's decision.