The Ukrainian ambassador returned a Polish honor in protest after Warsaw revoked President Zelensky’s award. He called for calm, dialogue and mutual respect.

In a conversation with a diplomat, the discussion centers on the moment when Ukraine and Poland are going through a difficult phase in their historical relations. Both countries have built their relations on trust, solidarity, and mutual support.

Poland to us means friends, allies, and partners. These are millions of Polish women and men who opened their homes and hearts to our people, helped Ukraine in its most difficult time. We will always remember this help, value it, and tell our children and grandchildren about it

– Ambassador Bodnar

The Ambassador’s Stance and the Context of the Events

As Bodnar noted, Ukrainians and Poles – like no one else in Europe – understand the threat from Russia and are jointly seeking ways to strengthen security and stability.

We have many common interests: security, defense, reconstruction, and European integration

– Bodnar

The ambassador stressed that his efforts are aimed at developing friendly relations, implementing joint projects, and constructively solving historical issues through open dialogue.

Thanks to good dialogue over the past year and a half we have achieved a lot. But I cannot stay on the sidelines of a decision I consider historically unjust. Understanding the emotions that prevail in Poland, I cannot accept that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, a friend of Poland and a head of state who bravely defends himself against the Russian aggressor and defends peace in Europe, is deprived of the highest Polish award

– Bodnar

In the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the active missile and drone attacks, this event is perceived painfully and emotionally, as a gesture toward the entire Ukrainian people.

Under these circumstances, I am compelled to return the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. Despite today’s situation, I am convinced that wisdom will prevail over emotions, and mutual respect over political convenience. We may have different views, disagree, but we must not lose the ability to hear one another and seek solutions through dialogue. Let us remember that from our quarrels the enemy – Moscow – always benefits. I once again call for an open conversation. I am confident that with goodwill, we will find reasonable solutions

– Bodnar

Recognizing the context of the events, the diplomat stressed that such steps should serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in order to preserve stability in bilateral relations and shared values despite different views and emotions.

According to official data from Poland, President Karol Navrotsky has decided to deprive the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga decided to return the Commander Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit for Poland, awarded to him in October 2022. The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that he declines the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit for Poland, which was awarded to him last year by the President of Poland.

The ambassador urged maintaining open dialogue and mutual understanding, emphasizing that common interests in security, defense, and European integration must remain a priority despite differing views and emotional reactions to the events.

In conclusion, the ambassador stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect as fundamental principles for strengthening the partnership between Ukraine and Poland even in challenging political and emotional circumstances.