An escalating dispute between Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky undermines political unity, according to the European Commission.
"Unity is our strongest tool against this unprovoked war in Ukraine," stated Paula Pino, chief spokesperson for the Commission. Tensions surged after Zelenskyy named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which is viewed favorably in Ukraine but associated with historical atrocities against Poles in Poland.
In retaliation, Nawrocki announced he would revoke Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle award, indicating the seriousness of the discord. Zelenskyy’s social media post hinted at returning the honor, stating that respect for shared values is essential.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the spat as a strategic mistake. The dispute arises just before Poland's Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, which Zelenskyy will miss, sending Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko instead.
The Commission plans to mediate between the parties and reassured that discussions would not hinder the upcoming conference, maintaining confidence in resolving the conflicts.