Ukrainian presidential aide renounces Polish honour over diplomatic row PHOTO

Following Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, has also refused the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order “For Merit to Poland.”

He wrote about this on his Telegram channel.

“Unfortunately, Polish President Karol Nawrocki committed an unfriendly act against our people by stripping the President of Ukraine of the Order of the White Eagle previously awarded to him. [...] Our peoples have long-standing relations and different pages of history — both heroic and tragic. However, this should be a reason for deep reflection, not for crude political speculation.

Ukraine does not tell any other nation how to study its history. Therefore, we also reserve the fair right to our own national memory and dignity. [...]

But despite everything, we will continue to firmly uphold the principles of open partnership with all our allies. However, this must be an equal partnership based on mutual respect. Ukraine will continue to fight on the front line of Europe’s defence, in particular Poland’s, paying the highest price for it. But like any Ukrainian, I cannot stand aside and simply watch as a wave of hatred is being artificially and baselessly stirred up against our citizens. Therefore, I refuse the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order ‘For Merit to Poland,’ which was awarded to me last year by the President of Poland,” Budanov said.

Earlier, it became known that Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the country’s highest state award — the Order of the White Eagle. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha officially announced that he is returning the Republic of Poland’s high state award — the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order “For Merit to Poland.”