Poland Revokes Top Award From Zelensky
Poland's president took back his country's top award from Ukraine's leader. Polish President Karol Nawrocki removed the Order of the White Eagle from President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The award was first given to Zelensky in 2023. Nawrocki acted after Zelensky named a military unit after a World War Two militia.
That militia had killed many Polish people. Nawrocki said the move was not against the Ukrainian people.
He said it would not change Poland's support for Ukraine. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called it a strategic mistake.
He said only Moscow would benefit from the decision. Sybiga said he would return his own Polish award in protest.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had asked both nations not to damage their alliance. Russia is currently invading Ukraine. The decision is expected to cause a serious crisis between Poland and Ukraine.
Key Terms 3
- Order of the White Eagle Poland's highest state award given to important figures
- insurgent militia An armed group that fights outside the official military
- diplomatic crisis A serious breakdown in relations between two countries