AI Generated Image
Polish president's office explains revoking Zelensky's award while Mussolini's, Schroeder's stands
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- Poland revoked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle after he named a military unit after the controversial Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which is associated with wartime atrocities against Poles.
- Polish officials clarified that historical figures like Mussolini and Catherine II retain the award posthumously, while Zelensky's award was withdrawn due to his recent actions seen as insulting to the Polish nation.
- Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, despite Kremlin ties, was not stripped of the award because he has not overtly insulted Poland, though his connections to Russia are condemned.
- Zelensky returned the medal via courier, which Polish officials considered further disrespectful, while he accused Poland of domestic political motives and warned of worsening relations.
- The dispute highlights deep historical grievances and is occurring ahead of Poland's parliamentary elections, with calls from centrist leaders to de-escalate tensions between Poland and Ukraine.
