A serious diplomatic crisis is brewing in Polish politics. Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who previously announced his intention to strip Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle, is waiting. As journalists from the publication "Rzeczpospolita" discovered, this is not a random delay but a calculated strategy designed to give Kyiv time to react.
The decision to revoke the award, which was presented to Zelensky by the previous president, Andrzej Duda, could be made within a few days. On Monday, June 8, a meeting of the Order's Chapter took place, but its recommendations were not made public. Nawrocki's entourage claims that the pause is a way to demonstrate that Warsaw is acting in a measured manner, not under the influence of emotions, as the ruling camp often accuses the president of doing.
However, the time allotted to the Ukrainian side is limited. According to sources in the presidential palace, this is a matter of days, not weeks. The only condition capable of making Nawrocki reconsider his decision is a change in the name of the Ukrainian military unit bearing the name "Heroes of the UPA".
Minister of International Policy Marcin Pradacz openly stated Warsaw's strategy: "The ball is in the Ukrainian side's court." He emphasized that if there is no positive reaction and real action from Kyiv, the procedure will conclude with the president's decision. The government is also calling for dialogue. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that the current situation offers a chance to reach an agreement.
The situation is complicated by Nawrocki's upcoming trip to the US, where he is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump. According to RMF, the visit will last until Tuesday. The final decision regarding the order will likely be announced immediately after the president's return to Poland, unless unexpected changes occur beforehand.