Why Zelenskyy Was Stripped of the Order of the White Eagle: Investigation Uncovers a Coordinated Campaign Against Ukraine.

Campaign Targeting Ukraine

According to Espreso.tv: An investigation by the Polish outlet OKO.press has revealed a coordinated campaign against Ukraine that began in May 2026. The catalyst for this effort was the reburial of Andriy Melnyk. Following activity by pro-Russian activists, Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle—a move that sparked widespread public debate.

This initiative, driven by pro-Russian activists, kicked off in mid-May 2026. On May 18, activist Małgorzata Zych published a post discussing Melnyk's reburial. The next day, May 19, Paweł Usiadek issued a similar statement, amplifying attention to the issue. By May 20, pro-Russian Telegram channels—including NewsFactoryPL, International Radio Belarus, Chat. Zbrodnie, Polityka, and Afery—had picked up the narrative, fueling its spread.

Reaction to the Polish President's Decision

On May 27, Leszek Miller published an emotional tweet, calling the revocation of Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle 'a slap in the face to every Pole.' This statement spurred politicians into action. On May 28, MP Grzegorz Płaczek sent a letter to President Nawrocki requesting that Zelenskyy be stripped of the honor. As a result, on June 19, 2026, Nawrocki made the decision to revoke the award from Ukraine's president.

Commenting on the move, Zelenskyy noted that it had stirred emotions and reactions in Ukraine. Notably, several Ukrainian politicians have previously declined awards, including:

• Kyrylo Budanov
• Andrii Sybiha
• Vasyl Bodnar
• Leonid Kuchma
• Viktor Yushchenko
• Petro Poroshenko
• Borys Tarasiuk

Overall, the controversy surrounding Melnyk's reburial and the subsequent actions of Polish authorities have generated significant public attention in both Ukraine and Poland.

This campaign highlights the complexity of Ukraine-Poland relations—ties that, despite broad alignment on many issues, remain sensitive to historical and political triggers. The reburial of Andriy Melnyk, a figure symbolizing Ukraine's struggle, became a flashpoint for pro-Russian forces, suggesting underlying societal tensions and demonstrating how political decisions can have profound consequences for international diplomacy. The situation calls for continued monitoring and analysis, as it may shape future bilateral ties.