Kuchma Renounces Polish Order in Solidarity with Zelensky

Former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma announced that he is renouncing the Polish White Eagle Order, with which he was decorated in 1997. The decision was prompted by Polish president Karol Nawrocki's move to revoke the same order from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Kuchma stressed that this step should not harm Ukraine-Poland friendship.

Leonid Kuchma, former president of Ukraine, has announced that he is renouncing the Polish White Eagle Order. Kuchma received this high distinction in 1997, and his decision is a direct response to Polish president Karol Nawrocki's move to revoke it from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kuchma stated in his declaration that he has the honor to renounce this order in solidarity with Zelensky, but stressed at the same time that the Polish president's such action should not be sufficient grounds to undermine the friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The dispute between Zelensky and Nawrocki has created tensions in Ukraine-Poland relations at a time when both countries must face common security threats against the backdrop of Russian aggression. Kuchma, who led Ukraine from 1994 to 2005, has also been a key figure in Ukraine's relations with neighboring countries in the past.