Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic Vasyl Zvarych has refused a Polish state award, the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

The diplomat announced the decision on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

“Loyalty to the interests of the Ukrainian state, the honor and dignity of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, my diplomatic colleagues, and the free and unbreakable Ukrainian people, as well as a deep sense of justice, oblige me to refuse the state distinction of the Republic of Poland,” Zvarych said.

He received the high award from then-Polish President Andrzej Duda in July 2024 while serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland.

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Zvarych said he regretted the situation, but argued that some members of the Polish political elite have not understood, or have not wanted to understand, the real price of Ukraine’s freedom and the values for which Ukrainians are fighting against Russia.

He also said that Ukrainians are deeply committed to friendship with Poland and remain grateful for Polish support during Russia’s aggression, but accused parts of the political establishment of political egoism that undermines past progress in bilateral reconciliation.

Zvarych linked his decision to the move by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland’s highest state award, the Order of the White Eagle, following controversy over the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after UPA Heroes.

He called that reaction “at least disproportionate and irresponsible.”

The ambassador said the decision undermined years of efforts toward Ukrainian-Polish reconciliation, noting that the process was originally driven by people who personally experienced the most tragic pages of shared history.

He stressed that Ukrainians acknowledge crimes committed by members of the Ukrainian underground against Polish civilians and honor innocent Polish victims, while also pointing to crimes committed against Ukrainians that he believes must not be ignored.

Zvarych emphasized that true reconciliation requires acknowledging the suffering of both nations and respecting each country’s sovereign right to its own historical memory and heroes.

He concluded that his refusal of the award is not an act of disrespect toward the Polish people, but a protest against what he sees as the erosion of Ukrainian-Polish reconciliation efforts.

As reported earlier, several Ukrainian officials and public figures, including members of the government and former presidents, have also returned or declined Polish state honors amid the diplomatic dispute.