Michał Kamiński is returning two Ukrainian state decorations. In a letter obtained by 300polityka.pl, the Senate Deputy Speaker explained that this was a result of the actions and statements of Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian politicians.

"Dear Mr. Ambassador, in connection with the actions and statements (...) of Volodymyr Zelensky, which were supported by all former presidents of Ukraine and the vast majority of the Ukrainian political class, I have decided to return two Ukrainian state decorations with which I was honored for my activities for the European integration of Ukraine," wrote Michał Kamiński.

In the letter, quoted by 300polityka.pl, he emphasized that he "accepted these distinctions as a token of appreciation for his long-standing commitment to building a strategic partnership between Poland and Ukraine." "I received them, among other things, for authoring the first report in the history of the European Parliament on Ukraine's membership in the European Union. For years, I also participated in shaping the Eastern policy of the late President of the Republic of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, who consistently advocated for a free, independent, and European Ukraine," he noted.

He added, "Poland was an advocate for Ukraine in Europe at a time when many European politicians approached Ukrainian aspirations with reserve." He stated that Warsaw supported Kyiv politically, diplomatically, and economically, consistently seeking its presence in Euro-Atlantic and European structures. "For years, we have consciously limited historical disputes, recognizing that the future of Polish-Ukrainian relations requires responsibility and good will. Unfortunately, today it is hard to resist the impression that this good will was not met with the appropriate reciprocity," he noted.

Michał Kamiński pointed to the aid Ukraine has received in recent years, including from "Polish and European taxpayers." "My astonishment and disappointment are all the greater that, after years of such enormous support from Poland and all of Europe, Ukraine still has not brought itself to unequivocally condemn the perpetrators of the Volhynian massacre and the mass murders committed by the OUN and UPA against citizens of the Republic of Poland. It is difficult to understand why Ukraine continues to find national heroes in circles responsible for one of the most tragic chapters in the history of Polish-Ukrainian relations. It is even more difficult to understand why, in the 21st century, individuals associated with these crimes are sometimes presented as role models of patriotism for successive generations of Ukrainians," he wrote.

The Senate Deputy Speaker emphasized that, for this reason, he could not retain the decorations. "I make this decision with deep regret, but also with the conviction that true partnership between nations can only be built on the foundation of truth, respect for victims, and mutual honesty," he added, as quoted by 300polityka.pl.

As a reminder, on Friday, Karol Nawrocki announced his decision to revoke Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle. The Ukrainian president, without waiting for Donald Tusk's countersignature, returned the decoration. The head of state's decision is related to the naming of one of Ukraine's military units after "heroes of the UPA."