Yushchenko called on Ukraine and Poland to adhere to the formula “we apologize and ask for forgiveness”
The third president of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, emphasized that in relations between Ukraine and Poland, it is important to uphold the political formula of “we forgive and ask for forgiveness.”
Yushchenko recalled that Ukrainians and Poles have lived as neighbors for centuries, sometimes within the same territory, experiencing complex and varied periods of coexistence.
He emphasized that the 20th century was particularly dramatic, marked by conflicts and wars.
According to him, these events have already become history for both nations and are part of their national memory, which cannot be changed.
Yushchenko recalled the 2003 agreement between Ukraine and Poland, when the presidents and parliaments of both countries agreed to mutual apologies.
He believes that this approach should be followed today as well—namely, not to politicize historical issues, not to take events out of context, and to leave discussions about historical assessments to scholars and society.
The former president emphasized that every nation has the right to determine its own heroes.
According to him, for Ukraine, these are those who fought for the country’s freedom and independence, and this right is sovereign.
Yushchenko also criticized Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle, calling it irresponsible.
Earlier, the Polish president explained this by citing differences in historical memory, particularly regarding the assessment of the UPA’s activities during World War II.
He wrote about this on Facebook.
Former Polish Sejm deputy Piotr Fogler returned his state award—the “Golden Cross of Merit”—to the president as a sign of protest and solidarity with Ukraine.
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 developing regional cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish cities.
On June 20, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko also announced that he was renouncing his Polish state order, emphasizing that this step 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 his Polish order due to Navrotsky’s policies.
