In a move that has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community, Poland has revoked the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The honour, awarded in 2022 for his leadership during Russia's invasion, was rescinded in a hastily arranged ceremony at the Polish embassy in Kyiv. Officials cite 'unacceptable rhetoric' from Zelensky's recent interviews, where he suggested Poland had failed to support Ukraine's EU bid.
This is a personal humiliation for Zelensky, who now faces a fractured alliance on his western flank. The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, has been under pressure from agrarian groups angry at Ukrainian grain imports. But this is more than a trade dispute.
It is a calculated snub from Warsaw, signalling that its patience with Kyiv is wearing thin. The question now: how will this play in the Kremlin? Expect a volley of gloating from Russian state media.
For Zelensky, already struggling to maintain Western unity, this is a devastating blow. He needs friends. But he just lost one of his most important ones.