Polish Order Returned by Tarasiuk in Protest Over Nawrocki’s Actions.

Returning Awards as a Form of Protest

According to Espreso.tv: Borys Tarasiuk has announced he is giving back the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, a move driven by his opposition to Polish President Andrzej Duda's recent decisions. This protest stems from the June 19 decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, one of Poland’s highest honors.

Expressing his indignation, Tarasiuk stated:

'In protest against the anti-Ukrainian hysteria of Polish President Nawrocki, particularly the stripping of the highest state award of Poland from President V. Zelenskyy, I have decided to return the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.' - Borys Tarasiuk

He further emphasized that, as someone involved in rebuilding Ukraine-Poland relations since 1990, he believes the current Polish president is undermining the strategic partnership painstakingly built over the last 35 years.

Rejection of Honors

Tarasiuk is not alone in his protest. Others include:

• Kyrylo Budanov, who declined the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland;
• Andrii Sybiha, who announced his intention to return the Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of Poland;
• Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, also refused a Polish award;
• Former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko declared they would return their orders.

This recent development highlights the growing tension between Ukraine and Poland, triggered by the latest political decisions. The refusal of Ukrainian officials to accept these honors signals a serious deterioration in bilateral relations, which hold significant strategic importance for both nations. Such protest gestures could shape public opinion and political dynamics between Ukraine and Poland in the near future.