Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov has announced that he is refusing the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which was awarded to him last year.
Budanov published the statement on social media.
According to him, the decision was prompted by an action taken by Polish President Karol Nawrocki regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which he described as “an unfriendly act” toward the Ukrainian people.
“Without any doubt, this is a gift to the Moscow aggressor, which will certainly use it against both of our countries,” Budanov said.
He stressed that Ukrainians and Poles share a long history that includes both heroic and tragic chapters, but argued that historical issues should not become a tool for political manipulation.
Budanov also said that Ukraine has the right to its own historical memory and national dignity and does not tell other nations how to interpret their history.
He further argued that the Polish president’s decision was not about justice, noting that, in his view, Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini has still not been stripped of the Order of the White Eagle.
The head of the Presidential Office emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to open and equal partnerships with its allies, based on mutual respect.
“In light of this, I am refusing the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which I received from the President of Poland last year,” Budanov said.
He also expressed confidence that both military personnel and civilians in Ukraine would support his decision.
