Polish President to Deny Ukrainian President Zelensky State Decoration
Warsaw – Polish President Andrzej Duda will refuse to bestow the Order of Green, Ukraine’s highest state decoration, upon President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to sources close to the matter. The decision follows a recent announcement by Kyiv regarding the renaming of a Ukrainian military unit to honor the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The UPA, an organization active during World War II, is a sensitive and historically fraught topic within Poland.
The group was responsible for the massacre of tens of thousands of Polish civilians and military personnel during the conflict. Radoslav Roedl, a key advisor, stated that the renaming decision caused significant dissatisfaction within the Polish government. He indicated that the move could trigger a serious diplomatic crisis between Poland and Ukraine, particularly as the two nations prepare for a reform conference in Gdańsk.
President Zelensky’s administration had chosen to name one of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s units “Heroes” in recognition of their service. The Order of Green is typically awarded for significant contributions to international relations and defense. The Polish president will not award him the green.
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This is a deeply disappointing and concerning development in the ongoing relationship between Poland and Ukraine.
What are the specific reasons behind President Duda’s refusal?