Polish Deputy Urges Restraint and Dialogue with Ukraine After Zelenskyy’s Order Revoked.

Comments from Deputy Urszula Pasławska

According to Espreso.tv: Speaking on Polsat News, Polish Deputy Urszula Pasławska addressed the recent decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle. She emphasized the need to prioritize future ties between Poland and Ukraine, cautioning against emotional reactions and calling for open dialogue.

On May 26, 2023, Zelenskyy signed a decree granting the honorary designation “named after the UPA heroes” to the Separate Center for Special Operations “North” of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. This move triggered diplomatic friction between the two nations. Three days later, on May 29, 2023, Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced his intention to revoke Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle, sparking widespread debate in Ukrainian society.

On June 2, 2023, Polish Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Krzysztof Bosak called for blocking Ukraine’s EU accession over the naming of the special operations unit. By June 19, 2023, Nawrocki had made the final decision to strip Zelenskyy of the honor, a move that drew criticism from Ukrainian officials. The following day, June 20, 2023, Zelenskyy publicly responded, outlining his stance on the matter.

The Case for Dialogue and a Constructive Approach

Urszula Pasławska stated: “We need to think about the Ukraine recovery conference and how to handle similar situations in the future.”

She also remarked that “such a conference will not yield results and will not be productive.” According to her, “as a state with greater political experience and a longer democratic tradition within the EU, we must not allow ourselves to be drawn into emotional confrontations.”

The deputy further warned that “we risk heading toward a serious collision.” Meanwhile, Donald Tusk noted that “the responsibility for resolving the situation between Kyiv and Warsaw lies solely with the Ukrainian side.” These comments highlight the urgency of dialogue between the countries and the need for a constructive approach to addressing existing tensions.

The controversy surrounding the revocation of Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle, along with the remarks from Polish officials, underscores growing strain in Polish-Ukrainian relations. Pasławska’s emphasis on dialogue and a constructive mindset could prove crucial in maintaining stability in bilateral ties. Continued support for Ukraine on the international stage—particularly regarding its EU integration—requires measured actions from both sides to prevent escalation and preserve strategic partnership.