Poland Awards Ukraine’s Intelligence Chief Budanov With Top State Honor for Foreign Citizens

Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), the Gold Officer’s Cross of the Order “For Merit to Poland,” one of Poland’s highest state decorations for foreign nationals.

It was reported by HUR on May 30.

Budanov stated, “This war is a war for freedom, our principles and the values of a united Europe. Only together can we repel the Russian horde and overcome this age-old threat to Poland and Ukraine. Our peoples will always stand as one bulwark in the struggle for a peaceful future without war,” and thanked President Duda for the distinction.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced that the order is awarded for “outstanding contributions to developing international cooperation and interaction connecting Poland with other states and nations.”

Duda emphasized “the extraordinary importance of partnership with Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor” and praised the Ukrainian military and intelligence services for their role in safeguarding Europe’s collective security.

The Gold Officer’s Cross has previously been conferred on figures including US President Ronald Reagan, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Previously, it was reported that Budanov revealed plans for a 1,000-for-1,000 Ukrainian prisoner-of-war exchange, marking what could be the largest swap since the war began. He indicated that, pending final approvals, the exchange could take place as soon as next week, offering renewed hope for families awaiting the return of their loved ones.  

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