Zelenskyy and Nawrocki met in Ankara: how the dialogue developed after the Order scandal

On Wednesday, July 8, at the NATO summit in Ankara, the first meeting took place between the presidents of Ukraine and Poland, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Karol Nawrocki, following the high-profile incident regarding the revocation of the Order of the White Eagle from the Ukrainian leader. The meeting took place in the presence of the Ukrainian president's team and lasted more than an hour.

A deep conversation about a common threat

According to presidential advisor Dmytro Litvin, the conversation between the leaders of the two countries was "quite deep and substantive." Zelenskyy emphasized that all necessary issues were discussed, and also noted the importance of maintaining mutual understanding and unity of action in the face of a common threat — Russia.

"The threat is one and common to us: it is Russia. And it is very important to maintain mutual understanding, support, and act together," the Ukrainian president stated after the meeting.

Historical disputes and political reality

Karol Nawrocki, in turn, confirmed the need to continue the dialogue between Warsaw and Kyiv, despite historical disagreements. At the same time, he reiterated that Poland and all of Europe cannot tolerate the honoring of UPA warriors — an organization that, in Polish historical memory, is associated with ethnic cleansing and war crimes.

"Poland and Ukraine must maintain a dialogue, despite historical disputes, because the two countries have a common enemy — Russia," Nawrocki said, adding that his position on historical issues remains unchanged.

The Order scandal and its consequences

The meeting in Ankara was the first after Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle — Poland's highest state award — on June 19. The decision was made after one of the Ukrainian units was named after UPA heroes, which caused outrage in Warsaw.

The Office of the President of Poland also criticized Kyiv's initiative to create a National Pantheon, calling the relevant bill "escalatory." Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz warned that Warsaw would not support Ukraine's accession to the European Union if the Ukrainian authorities continue to honor controversial historical figures.

Dialogue continues

Despite the tension, both leaders agreed to continue the dialogue. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine and Poland need only strong relations, while Nawrocki expressed readiness for constructive interaction in the face of a common geopolitical threat.