A critical moment is brewing in relations between Warsaw and Kyiv. Polish President Karol Nawrocki may announce a final decision regarding the fate of the Order of the White Eagle awarded to Volodymyr Zelensky within the coming days. According to the Polish publication Rzeczpospolita, the Presidential Palace does not hide the fact that the pause in decision-making and the non-disclosure of the capitulary's recommendations are not accidental, but part of a well-thought-out strategy.

The "window of opportunity" tactic

Confidants of the publication at the Palace explained that delaying the process creates an artificial "window of opportunity" for the Ukrainian side. This allows Warsaw to demonstrate that President Nawrocki is acting prudently and is not succumbing to emotions, despite accusations to the contrary from politicians in the ruling camp. However, the patience of the Polish side is not limitless. Official circles emphasize that we are talking about days, not weeks, although the possibility of further delay is not entirely ruled out.

The only condition for Zelensky

The situation has reached a boiling point, and the Palace has identified a single scenario capable of changing the course of events. The only option that could persuade the Polish president not to deprive the Ukrainian leader of the highest state award is changing the honorary name of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) unit "named after the Heroes of the UPA" to another one.

The Polish side's strategy was voiced by Minister Marcin Przydała, head of the Bureau of International Policy (BPM). He stated at a press conference that "the ball is on the Ukrainian side." According to him, if Kyiv does not demonstrate a positive reaction to Warsaw's demands, the procedure will end with the president's decision to revoke the order.

"In Poland, it is believed that there are no real actions or gestures from Kyiv, so the procedure will eventually end with the president's decision," noted Przydała.

Government position and public opinion

The Polish government supports a cautious but firm course. Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in an interview with Rzeczpospolita, admitted that "there is a chance to reach an agreement." In his opinion, the president's statement gives both sides time: Nawrocki to make a final decision, and Zelensky to determine his position. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also called on the leaders of the two countries to dialogue and seek a compromise.

Nawrocki's entourage is confident that public opinion in Poland is fully on the president's side in this matter. Other representatives of the Palace are behaving with restraint, explaining this by the fact that the Ukrainian side was given time—from one to two weeks. Moreover, Nawrocki intends to announce all decisions himself, similar to a veto notification mechanism.

The factor of the visit to the USA

An important factor influencing the timing of the decision is the upcoming trip of Karol Nawrocki to the United States. According to Polish radio RMF, the president will visit the USA and become a guest of Donald Trump. The visit will last until Tuesday, during which Nawrocki will also meet with representatives of the Polish diaspora.

Experts suggest that the decision on the order may be announced immediately after the president's return to Warsaw, unless unforeseen events occur.

History of the conflict

Diplomatic tension between Kyiv and Warsaw intensified on May 26, 2026, when Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree granting the Separate Special Operations Center "North" of the Special Operations Forces of the AFU the honorary name "named after the Heroes of the UPA." In response, Karol Nawrocki declared his intention to deprive the Ukrainian president of the Order of the White Eagle—the highest award of Poland, which Zelensky received from Andrzej Duda in April 2023.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski spoke out against such a decision, reminding that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder still holds this order, despite criticism of his position regarding Russia. Nevertheless, the question of the award's fate remains open and depends on the actions of the Ukrainian side in the coming days.