Ukraine's Presidential Office Chief Budanov to Return Polish State Honor

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, announced he will return a state decoration awarded by Poland, joining a broader Ukrainian response to a recent decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The move follows Nawrocki's decision that prompted Ukrainian officials to renounce their Polish honors in protest. Nawrocki, who took office as Poland's president in May 2025, made a ruling or statement that Ukrainian officials deemed offensive or politically objectionable, triggering the symbolic diplomatic gesture. The returns of state decorations reflect underlying tensions between Ukraine and Poland — two countries that are otherwise close allies, with Poland being one of Ukraine's strongest supporters since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Such public renunciations of honors are rare and signal a notable strain in bilateral relations at a sensitive time for Ukraine as it continues to fight the ongoing war with Russia.