Scandal with deprivation of Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle: Budanov and Zhovkva refused Polish state awards

Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva announced the return of Polish state awards. They made this decision after Polish President Karol Nawrotsky stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle.

This was reported by the official pages of Kirill Budanov and Igor Zhovkva .

It is noted that on June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced the deprivation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. He cited the decision of the President of Ukraine to award the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA” as the reason.

Head of the OP Kirill Budanov also announced the return of the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order “For Merit to Poland”, which he received in 2025.

“This is an unfriendly act and a gift for the Moscow aggressor, which he will definitely use against both of our countries,” said Kirill Budanov.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva also announced the return of the Knight’s Cross of the Order “For Merit to the Republic of Poland”, with which he was awarded in 2022.

“The decision to deprive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland’s high state award is a step that cannot be perceived as either morally just or politically justified,” said Ihor Zhovkva.

He noted that the awarding of Volodymyr Zelensky in 2023 was a recognition of the indomitability of the Ukrainian people and the contribution of Ukrainian defenders to the security of Europe. Zhovkva also expressed hope for the preservation of partnership relations between Ukraine and Poland.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar announced the day before that he was returning the Knight’s Cross of the Order “For Services to the Republic of Poland.” He emphasized that the Polish side’s decision is perceived as a painful gesture towards the entire Ukrainian people.

“Let’s remember that the enemy – Moscow – always wins from our quarrels. Once again, I call for a frank conversation,” said Vasyl Bodnar.

As a reminder, Polish President Karol Nawrotsky signed a decision to deprive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle in connection with the awarding of the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA”. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga announced that he would return the Commander’s Cross with the Star of the Order “For Services to Poland”.

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