Former Polish Defense Minister Returned a State Award to Ukraine
Former Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced that he is returning to Ukraine the Order of Merit, First Class, which he received in 2022. This is the second such instance among Polish politicians in recent days.
Błaszczak stated that with this decision, he is expressing solidarity with families who have been waiting for decades for the opportunity to honor their loved ones with dignity. This likely refers to the Volhynia tragedy.
According to the politician, returning the award is also a sign of disagreement with the position of the current Ukrainian government. In addition, he stated that with this step, he is supporting the position of Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
Source: Rzeczpospolita.
As a reminder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent the Order of the White Eagle to Poland via “Nova Poshta.”
The decision to revoke Poland’s highest state award, the Order of the White Eagle, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not a unilateral act by the president. Under Polish procedure, the president may initiate the revocation of an award, but the relevant act requires the countersignature (co-signature) of the Polish prime minister.
In response to the Polish president’s actions, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that he would return his state award to Poland.
In response to the Polish president’s actions, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that he would return his state award to Poland.
