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Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded the Order of Merit to Vasyl Zvarych, the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, a decision that has led to a torrent of negative reactions online. The President’s Office announced on the social media platform X on Monday evening that the award was granted to “His Excellency” Vasyl Zvarych for “outstanding contributions to the development of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation.”
Critics were quick to voice their dismay. “Spitting in the face of Poles,” and “I am speechless,” dominated social media reactions following the decision.
Columnist Łukasz Warzecha expressed his disbelief on X, writing: “No f**king way. Sorry, but I can’t hold back,” he wrote, adding, “In the case of this decision by Mr. President, there simply is no other comment.”
Warzecha criticized the ambassador’s actions, alleging that Zvarych had repeatedly damaged Polish-Ukrainian relations, acted with extreme impudence, and accused those safeguarding Polish interests of favoring Russia. He starkly remarked that this award was a disgrace, equivalent to spitting in the faces of the Polish people. Sociologist Marcin Palade echoed these sentiments, condemning the award as an insult.
Writer and columnist Rafał Ziemkiewicz also chimed in with a critical take, suggesting irony in the situation:
“We might as well pay homage to Ambassador Livne to make it symmetrical,” he commented, referencing the Israeli Ambassador to Poland, Yacov Livne, who has recently been involved in several controversies concerning his statements about Poland.
“You have no shame. It’s a mockery and a slap in the face for Poles,” commented Konrad Berkowicz, MP from the Confederation party.
Despite the backlash, Ambassador Zvarych expressed his gratitude towards President Duda on social media, thanking him for the exceptional honor and for the strong solidarity and support towards Ukraine’s ongoing struggle, asserting that together they are stronger.
Ambassador Zvarych was officially appointed as the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland on Feb. 8, 2022. He was recalled by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June of this year.