Former Prime Minister Groysman returned the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman announced that he had returned the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, which he received in 2011 for promoting regional cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish cities.
He emphasized that the award holds personal significance for him, which is why the decision to return it is also a personal one.
“In 2011, while serving as mayor of Vinnytsia, I received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for fostering regional cooperation with Polish cities. This award is personal to me. That is why the decision to return it is also a personal one,” he said.
According to him, he is returning the order as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that this is not meant as an insult to the Polish people.
“I am returning the order as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine and President Zelenskyy. Not out of resentment toward the Polish people, but out of deep respect for them and gratitude for all the years of support, for the millions of Poles who opened their hearts and homes to our people after February 24,” he said.
The politician also emphasized that every nation has the right to its own history and heroes, and that this right is “sacred” for both Ukraine and Poland.
At the same time, he stressed that despite differing views on the past, the two countries’ shared future is more important than historical disputes.
“There is one thing that is not up for debate: a war is raging today. The real enemy is Russia. And as long as this war continues, we cannot afford to argue about the past. This is exactly what Moscow wants: for Warsaw and Kyiv to look back instead of forward,” he noted.
He also quoted Winston Churchill, emphasizing the importance of unity:
“If you quarrel with the past, you will lose the future.”
In conclusion, he emphasized that Ukraine and Poland remain strategic allies, and that their security and European future are shared.
“My medal is being returned. But my respect for the Polish people remains,” he concluded.
Volodymyr Hoysman announced this on Facebook.
On June 20, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko also announced his decision to decline a Polish state order, emphasizing that this move was not directed against the Polish people; at the same time, he also made some critical remarks about incumbent President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Earlier, Zelenskyy had sent Navrotsky the Order of the White Eagle via Nova Poshta.
Following this, Leonid Kuchma declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
Ukraine’s third president, Viktor Yushchenko, also declined the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
In addition, Borys Tarasyuk will return the Polish order due to Navrotsky’s policies.
