Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, announced his refusal of the Golden Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, an award he received from the Polish President last year. Budanov’s statement Budanov published his decision on Saturday, June 20, on Facebook, tying the move directly to Warsaw’s recent actions regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Unfortunately, Polish President Karol Nawrocki resorted to an unfriendly act toward our people, depriving the President of Ukraine of the previously awarded Order of the White Eagle,” Budanov wrote. He stated that the decision serves the interests of Moscow and will be used against both countries. Addressing the historical context of the dispute, Budanov noted that while Ukraine and Poland share both heroic and tragic history, it should prompt reflection rather than political maneuvering. “Ukraine does not tell any other nation how to teach its history. Therefore, we reserve the fair right to our own national memory and dignity,” he stated. Budanov also questioned the consistency of the Polish President’s decision, pointing out that historical figures such as Italian dictator Benito Mussolini have not been stripped of the Order of the White Eagle. He added that Ukraine will formally assess the event but intends to maintain an open partnership with its allies based on mutual respect.