Tensions are rising between Poland and Ukraine, and a former diplomat is making news by turning down an award from Kyiv . Bartosz Cichocki,who used to be Poland's ambassador to Ukraine, rejected the honor from President Zelensky that was offered in June 2022. His concerns center on the glorification of nationalist groups that many in Poland find troubling .
Zelensky recently named a military unit after historical figures linked to nationalist movements. This sparked criticism from Polish leaders . Former Polish President Lech Walesa didn't hold back, calling the honorees “bandits” and arguing that it dishonors Polish lives lost in past conflicts .
Cichocki,who got Cross of Military Merit from Ukrainian military leader Valeriy Zaluzhny in late 2022,now sees a sharp shift in Polish-Ukrainian relations. Political changes and public sentiment are driving this change.
