Poland's Tusk urges Ukraine to act to ease crisis

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on July 4 that Poland expects Ukraine to take the first step toward deescalating a diplomatic crisis between the two wartime allies. The remarks came as bilateral relations remain strained over a historical dispute, with Poland also signaling a cautious stance on future financial aid for Ukraine ahead of a key NATO summit.

Tusk, speaking at a press conference, said Warsaw had received conciliatory signals from current and former Ukrainian officials, including a heartfelt letter from former President Viktor Yushchenko. However, he emphasized that a clear signal from Kyiv is needed following what he called an unfortunate decision by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Tusk did not specify what concrete step Poland expects.

The crisis began on May 26 when Zelenskyy signed a decree granting the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA" to a Ukrainian special operations unit. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of Poland's highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, on June 19. Zelenskyy returned the decoration the following day, and three former Ukrainian presidents renounced their own Orders of the White Eagle in protest.