Tensions in relations between Ukraine and Poland, arising against the backdrop of a diplomatic scandal, have not yet reached their peak. This was stated by the Head of the President's Office of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, during a conversation with students of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
Diplomatic contradiction or the beginning of a conflict?
According to Budanov, the current situation between Kyiv and Warsaw has not yet escalated into a full-fledged conflict, although the potential for exacerbation remains. 'With Poland, this is classic diplomatic tension. It is not yet a conflict. It is a contradiction. It is not yet the peak, believe me. There will be more to come, as they say, if everyone does not stop a little,' he noted.
The Head of the PO assessed the decision of the Polish leader extremely negatively. He called the deprivation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle a 'terrible mistake'. Budanov reminded of an ancient rule: it is necessary to maintain at least neutral relations with neighbors, as any exacerbations lead to problems — from political to economic.
'Immaturity' and historical parallels
According to Budanov, the key factor was the immaturity of the Polish side. 'I assess this as immaturity. First of all, immaturity. I assess this as the immaturity of people in Poland who pushed and then made this decision. It is very strange and it is not worked out and not prepared,' he emphasized.
As an argument in favor of the absurdity of the situation, Budanov cited a historical parallel: if one were to go down the path of depriving orders, it would be more logical to start with figures of the past, for example, to deprive Benito Mussolini of an order.
Chronology of events and consequences
The situation escalated on June 19, when the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, deprived Zelenskyy of the country's highest state award. The reason was the decision to award one of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine an honorary name in honor of the Heroes of the UPA.
Kyiv's response was the return of the award to Warsaw on June 20 via the 'Nova Poshta' delivery service. In Poland, this step was perceived as an additional insult. The consequences of the diplomatic crisis also manifested on the international arena: Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to travel to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, where most European leaders gathered.
Instead of the president, Ukraine was represented by Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk interpreted Zelenskyy's absence as a 'gesture of de-escalation of tension' between the two countries.