Stripping Zelenskyy of the White Eagle Order Is a Strategic Blunder, Says Ukrainian Foreign Minister.

Poland’s Decision to Revoke the White Eagle Order Draws Sharp Criticism

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine’s top diplomat, Andrii Sybiha, has denounced Poland’s move to strip President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, calling it a serious strategic misstep. Sybiha argues that such an action risks damaging bilateral ties between Kyiv and Warsaw, as it appears both impulsive and disrespectful—not only toward the Ukrainian leader but toward the Ukrainian state as a whole.

The decision to revoke Zelenskyy’s award was finalized on June 19. It stemmed from escalating disputes over the naming of a particular unit within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. An initiative to strip the Ukrainian president of the honor first emerged in Poland earlier in June, eventually leading to the formal revocation.

Returning the Honor

In addition to criticizing the move, Sybiha announced his intention to return his own Polish decoration—the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received in October 2022. In his statement, he emphasized:

'In light of such reckless actions, I see no way to keep the high state award of the Republic of Poland—the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit—that was conferred upon me in October 2022. I will return it to Poland shortly.' — Andrii Sybiha

Sybiha expressed regret over the emotional escalation that led to these decisions, noting that they not only undermine trust between the two nations but also jeopardize mutual understanding and cooperation between Ukraine and Poland.

This episode marks a significant moment in Ukrainian-Polish relations—a partnership rooted in deep historical ties but recently strained by political and cultural disagreements. The forfeiture of high-level state honors may serve as a wake-up call for both countries, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and compromise to prevent further deterioration and preserve their strategic alliance amid current global challenges.