Zelensky: We believed that the Order of the White Eagle, awarded in 2023, was addressed to the Ukrainian people and our army. That is what was said at the time. Today, I returned the Order to the President of Poland.

Zelensky sent it back via Nova Poshta – a fitting choice. Throughout this war Nova Poshta has kept delivering under constant Russian bombardment, its sorting centers struck and destroyed, its people killed on the job, and still it has refused to stop. That resilience is Ukraine in miniature.

The President clarified that if the Order of the White Eagle can remain with Catherine II, Mussolini and Schröder, Ukraine will not argue over it.

He recalled that the award was presented in 2023 as a sign of respect for the Ukrainian people and armed forces resisting Russian aggression.

“Ukraine is grateful to the Polish people for their support and cooperation, which play a significant role in the struggle for our and your independence from Russia.

Ukraine never forgets solidarity and understands that cooperation between states and peoples in our region is one of the tangible guarantees of security – both for Ukrainians and for every neighboring country.