Zelenski sent the Order of the White Eagle away. Views, comments, opinions

angora24.pl 2 months ago

In 2023 president Andrzej Duda awarded the Order of the White Eagle to Volodymyr Zelenski "in designation of the remarkable merits of deepening friendly and comprehensive relations between Poland and Ukraine, for developing cooperation for democracy, peace and safety in Europe and integrity to defend inalienable human rights".

The President's decision inactive requires the Prime Minister's signature. The work of the countersignature does not concern, for example, the awarding of orders and awards, but the Constitution of Poland does not mention that the countersignature does not require the receipt of orders.

On Saturday, June 20, Volodymyr Zelenski posted an entry on social media in which he confirmed the return of the Order of the White Eagle to Poland. "If it is believed that this peculiar symbol may stay with Catherine II, Benit Mussolini and Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine will not discuss it," he wrote.

Karol Nawrocki, President:

"The president of the Republic is simply a large master of the Order of the White Eagle and is obliged to uphold the honor of this highest state honour. This work besides rests on the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle. Therefore, with the approval of president Volodymyr Zelenski to name 1 of Ukraine's armed forces the Heroes of UPA, after consulting the Chapter, I decided to take the Order of Eagle White president of Ukraine.”

Donald Tusk, Prime Minister:

"The conflict between Poland and Ukraine is enjoying Putin and shocks our allies. The task of Presidents Zelenski and Nawrocki is to speech emotions, not fuel tension. The front line goes elsewhere."

Przemysław Czarnek, Law and Justice:

"Very good decision. The memory of the Volyn crime must not be overlooked or relativized. Poland has the right and work to request historical fact and to commemorate its victims. global relations cannot take place at the expense of their identity and history. Partnership with Ukraine only makes sense if it is based on common respect, not selective memory!’

Jacek Sasin, Law and Justice:

“The right decision! There will be no highest Polish discrimination for individual who glorifys criminals from UPA and tramples the memory of Volyn Victims. Poland has its dignity – it never kneels.”

Sławomir Mentzen, Confederation:

“Good for you, Mr. President! besides bad it's so late;)’.

Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Civic Coalition:

"He had no courage as president to visit Kiev. possibly now he will find the courage and go for this award.”

Mr Andrzej Szeptycki, Deputy Minister for discipline and Higher Education:

"This decision I interpret in the context of the gathering between Prime Minister Tusk and president Zelenski, meetings that showed that, despite this crisis, our relations are crucial to both countries, we are jointly preparing a conference on reconstruction of Ukraine in Gdańsk, which will be devoted to the crucial part of how Polish companies are to participate in this reconstruction. I have the impression, that this action is not the first time we have seen that the presidential camp, as well as the opposition, are trying in abroad policy, in these very unstable times, to put the government, colloquially speaking, a stick in spokes. This is not a good action."

Artur Łącki, Civic Coalition:

"Mr president was president of the Institute of National Memory for respective years. And he acts like a erstwhile president of the Institute of National Revenge. He would have done better to catch up with the Medal for Long-term Marriage, which is said to be 180 1000 couples. Reclaiming the Order of the White Eagle of Zelensk, he showed that he had not grown up to function.”

Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy:

"I am powerfully opposed to the usage of our highest national award in general. Just as no 1 receives the Nobel Prizes due to respect, the seriousness of this award, let us besides treat with large seriousness our highest honour; if 1 president has given, the next 1 does not receive, due to the fact that it is simply, it does not look dignified."

Andrzej Plum, PiS MP:

"If president Zelenski ignores us, does not take us seriously, he behaves in a manner that demeans good Polish-Ukrainian relations, he must anticipate concrete action from the Polish authorities".

Kyrylo Budanow, Head of the Office of the president of Ukraine:

"Unfortunately, Poland's president Karol Nawrocki resorted to a hostile act towards our nation, depriving the president of Ukraine of the previously granted Order of the White Eagle. It is no uncertainty a gift for the Moscow aggressor, who will surely usage it against both of our countries. Our nations have long common relations and different sides of past – both heroic and tragic. However, this should be a reason for deep reflection, not primitive political speculation. Ukraine does not show any another nation how to teach their story. Therefore, we besides reserve the right to our own national memory and dignity. I am convinced that this motion of the president of Poland has nothing to do with justice or something like that. For what justice can we talk of if the Order of the White Eagle was not taken away, for example, from the Italian fascist dictator and backman of Hitler – Benito Mussolini? Ukraine will undoubtedly measure this event. But we will nevertheless proceed to stand firm on the rule of open partnership with all our allies. However, a partnership based on common respect. Ukraine will proceed to fight on the front line of the defence of all Europe, including Poland, paying the highest price. But like any Ukrainian, I cannot stand by and just watch as the hatred device turns against our citizens unjustly and artificially. Therefore, I refuse to accept the Gold Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit to Poland, to which the president of Poland honored me last year. I am certain that Ukrainian society – both military and civilian – feels the same emotions and supports this step. Glory to Ukraine!’