Budanov Returns Polish State Honor After Zelenskyy Stripped of Top Polish Award

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, announced on June 20 that he is returning a Polish state honor after Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle previously awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In a statement published on Telegram on June 20, Budanov said he would no longer accept the Gold Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received from Poland’s president in 2025.

According to Budanov, Nawrocki’s decision to revoke Zelenskyy’s award was “a gift for the Moscow aggressor, which it will certainly use against both our countries.” He argued that historical disputes between Ukraine and Poland should be addressed through dialogue rather than political confrontation.

“Our nations have a long history and different pages of history—both heroic and tragic. However, this should be a reason for deep reflection, not crude political speculation,” Budanov wrote.

Budanov also questioned the rationale behind the move, noting that Italy’s former fascist leader Benito Mussolini still formally retains the Order of the White Eagle. He said Ukraine would continue cooperation with its allies but emphasized the importance of “equal partnership” and mutual respect.

The announcement follows a similar decision by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who said on June 19 that he would return the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, a distinction awarded to him in 2022.

The dispute emerged after President Zelenskyy granted the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces the honorary title “named after the Heroes of the UPA .” According to the presidential decree, the designation was intended to restore historical traditions within Ukraine’s armed forces.

On June 19, Nawrocki formally revoked Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state distinction, which had been awarded by former President Andrzej Duda. The Polish president said the decision was intended to protect “the honor of the highest state award” and argued that future relations between Poland and Ukraine should be based on historical truth.

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