Poland Takes Away Award from Ukraine's Leader

Jun 19, 2026, 21:46
EuropeInternational
A2

Poland Takes Away Award from Ukraine's Leader

波蘭收回烏克蘭領導人之獎項

Introduction

The Polish government took back a special medal from President Volodymyr Zelensky. This happened because the two countries disagree about history.

波蘭政府收回了頒給總統澤倫斯基的一枚特別勳章。這是因為兩國在歷史問題上存在分歧。

Main Body

Ukraine gave a special title to a group of soldiers called the UPA. Ukraine says these soldiers were heroes. Poland says these soldiers killed many Polish people in the past. This makes Poland very angry.

烏克蘭賦予了一個名為 UPA 的士兵團體特別稱號。烏克蘭稱這些士兵為英雄。波蘭則表示這些士兵過去殺害了許多波蘭人。這讓波蘭非常憤怒。

President Nawrocki says Ukraine must be honest about these deaths. He says this is important for Ukraine to join the European Union. A Ukrainian leader says Poland is wrong. He gave back his own Polish medal.

Nawrocki 總統表示烏克蘭必須誠實面對這些死亡事件。他認為這對於烏克蘭加入歐盟至關重要。一名烏克蘭領導人則稱波蘭錯了，並交回了自己的波蘭勳章。

Prime Minister Donald Tusk wants the leaders to be calm. He does not want Russia to use this fight. Poland will still give weapons and help to Ukraine for their defense.

總理 Donald Tusk 希望領導人們能保持冷靜。他不希望俄羅斯利用這次爭執。波蘭仍將提供武器並協助烏克蘭進行防衛。

Conclusion

Poland and Ukraine will still work together at a big meeting in Gdansk soon.

波蘭與烏克蘭隨後將在格但斯克的一次大型會議中繼續合作。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡️ The Power of 'SAY'

In this story, we see how to report what people think using the word say. At A2 level, this is your best tool for talking about opinions.

How it works:

  • Person →\rightarrow says →\rightarrow fact/opinion.

Examples from the text:

  1. "Ukraine says these soldiers were heroes."
  2. "Poland says these soldiers killed many Polish people."

💡 Quick Tip: 'SAY' vs 'SAYS'

Watch the person speaking!

  • One person/country (He/She/It): Add an -s.
    • Example: Poland says...
  • Many people (They): No -s.
    • Example: The leaders say...

🛠 Words to describe feelings

When countries disagree, they use these simple A2 adjectives:

  • Angry (Mad/Not happy) →\rightarrow "This makes Poland very angry."
  • Honest (Telling the truth) →\rightarrow "Ukraine must be honest."
  • Calm (Peaceful/Not shouting) →\rightarrow "Tusk wants the leaders to be calm."

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
The group of people who control a country
Example:The government makes new laws for the city.
disagree (v.)
To have a different opinion from someone else
Example:I disagree with you about the best color for the room.
honest (adj.)
Telling the truth and not lying
Example:Please be honest and tell me what happened.
defense (n.)
Something used to protect a person or country from attack
Example:The army is important for the defense of the nation.
weapons (n.)
Objects used to fight or kill people
Example:The soldiers carry weapons to protect their land.
B2

Poland Removes State Honors from Ukrainian President Over Military Dispute

波蘭因軍事爭議撤銷烏克蘭總統國家榮譽

Introduction

The Polish government has taken back the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a disagreement over how to remember the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).

波蘭政府在對於如何紀念烏克蘭反抗軍（UPA）產生分歧後，收回了授予烏克蘭總統澤倫斯基的「白鷹勳章」。

Main Body

The current diplomatic tension started when the Ukrainian government gave the honorary title of 'Heroes of the UPA' to a military unit. Ukraine views the UPA as a legitimate resistance movement that fought against Soviet and Nazi forces. However, Poland maintains that the UPA was responsible for the systematic killing of ethnic Poles in Volhynia between 1943 and 1945, which President Karol Nawrocki described as a series of brutal crimes.

目前的外交緊張局勢始於烏克蘭政府賦予一個軍事單位「UPA英雄」的榮譽稱號。烏克蘭將 UPA 視為一個對抗蘇聯和納粹軍隊的合法反抗運動。然而，波蘭堅持 UPA 在 1943 年至 1945 年間在波沃里尼亞系統性地殺害波蘭裔人士，總統卡羅爾·納夫羅茨基將其描述為一系列殘暴的罪行。

Official responses to this situation have been very different. President Nawrocki asserted that praising the UPA damages trust between the two countries and goes against European Union principles. He emphasized that facing historical crimes honestly is necessary for Ukraine to join the EU. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the decision as a strategic mistake and a sign of arrogance; consequently, he announced that he would return his own Polish state honor from 2022.

官方對此情況的反應截然不同。納夫羅茨基總統斷言，讚揚 UPA 會損害兩國之間的信任，且違背歐盟原則。他強調，烏克蘭若要加入歐盟，必須坦誠面對歷史罪行。對此，烏克蘭外交部長安德烈·西比哈將該決定形容為策略錯誤與傲慢的表現；因此，他宣布將歸還自己於 2022 年獲得的波蘭國家榮譽。

Despite these conflicts, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for less emotional language to prevent Russia from taking advantage of the situation. Furthermore, President Nawrocki specified that this disagreement will not change Poland's security policy or its continued military support for Ukraine's defense.

儘管存在這些衝突，總理唐納德·圖斯克呼籲減少情緒化語言，以防止俄羅斯利用此局面。此外，納夫羅茨基總統明確表示，此次分歧將不會改變波蘭的安全政策，或其對烏克蘭防禦的持續軍事支持。

Conclusion

Both nations will still co-host an upcoming reconstruction conference in Gdansk, even though they continue to disagree over historical events.

儘管兩國對歷史事件仍持有分歧，但他們仍將在格但斯克共同主辦即將舉行的重建會議。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 Elevating Your 'Connecting Words'

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To move toward B2, you need to use Logical Connectors that signal the relationship between two complex ideas. This article is a goldmine for this transition.

⚡ The 'Contrast' Upgrade

Instead of using but in every sentence, look at how the text shifts direction:

  • However: Used to introduce a contrasting fact.
    • A2 Style: Ukraine likes the UPA, but Poland does not.
    • B2 Style: Ukraine views the UPA as a legitimate movement. However, Poland maintains that the UPA was responsible for crimes.
  • Despite: Used to show that something happens even though there is an obstacle.
    • Example: Despite these conflicts, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for less emotional language.

🛠️ The 'Result' Bridge

When you want to show that one action caused another, avoid using so at the start of every sentence. Try Consequently.

  • Text Example: "...a sign of arrogance; consequently, he announced that he would return his own Polish state honor."
  • Why it works: It creates a formal, academic link that tells the reader: "Action A led directly to Action B."

📈 Adding More Information

Instead of just saying also, use Furthermore to add a point that strengthens your argument.

  • Text Example: "Furthermore, President Nawrocki specified that this disagreement will not change Poland's security policy."

Quick Summary for your Toolkit:

  • ❌ But →\rightarrow ✅ However / Despite
  • ❌ So →\rightarrow ✅ Consequently
  • ❌ Also →\rightarrow ✅ Furthermore

Vocabulary Learning

legitimate (adj.)
Conforming to the law or to rules; acceptable
Example:The company provided legitimate documents to prove its ownership of the land.
systematic (adj.)
Done according to a fixed plan or system; methodical
Example:The organization conducted a systematic review of all safety procedures.
asserted (v.)
Stated a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
Example:The lawyer asserted that her client was innocent of all charges.
arrogance (n.)
An exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities
Example:His arrogance made it difficult for him to accept constructive criticism from his peers.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened
Example:The heavy rain caused flooding; consequently, the match was postponed.
specified (v.)
Clearly and precisely identified or named
Example:The contract specified that the work must be completed by the end of the month.
reconstruction (n.)
The process of rebuilding something that has been damaged or destroyed
Example:The government allocated millions of dollars for the reconstruction of the city after the earthquake.
C2

Revocation of Polish State Honors Following Ukrainian Military Designation

烏克蘭軍方指定名單後，波蘭撤銷國家榮譽

Introduction

The Polish government has rescinded the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a dispute regarding the commemoration of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).

由於在紀念烏克蘭反抗軍 (UPA) 的問題上產生爭議，波蘭政府撤銷了授予烏克蘭總統澤倫斯基的「白鷹勳章」。

Main Body

The current diplomatic friction originated from the decision by the Ukrainian administration to bestow the honorary title 'Heroes of the UPA' upon a military unit. This action is predicated on the Ukrainian perception of the UPA as a legitimate resistance movement against Soviet and Nazi forces. Conversely, the Polish state maintains that the UPA was responsible for the systematic killing of ethnic Poles in Volhynia between 1943 and 1945, an event characterized by President Karol Nawrocki as a series of brutal crimes.

目前的外交摩擦源於烏克蘭政府決定賦予某個軍事單位「UPA 英雄」的榮譽稱號。此行動是基於烏克蘭將 UPA 視為對抗蘇聯與納粹軍隊的合法反抗運動。相反地，波蘭政府認為 UPA 在 1943 年至 1945 年間負責系統性殺害波蘭裔人士，總統卡羅爾·納夫羅茨基將此事件定性為一系列殘暴的罪行。

Institutional responses have been polarized. President Nawrocki asserted that the glorification of the UPA undermines bilateral trust and contradicts the principles of the European Union, suggesting that an honest confrontation with historical atrocities is a prerequisite for EU integration. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha characterized the revocation as a strategic error and a manifestation of condescension, subsequently announcing the return of his own 2022 Polish state honor.

機構反應呈現兩極化。納夫羅茨基總統主張，美化 UPA 會破壞雙邊信任且與歐盟原則相悖，並指出坦誠面對歷史暴行是加入歐盟的前提。作為回應，烏克蘭外交部長安德里·西比哈將撤銷勳章形容為策略錯誤以及傲慢的表現，隨後宣布歸還其本人在 2022 年獲得的波蘭國家榮譽。

Despite these tensions, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has advocated for a reduction in emotional rhetoric to prevent the exploitation of the rift by the Russian Federation. Furthermore, President Nawrocki has specified that this diplomatic disagreement will not alter the strategic foundations of Poland's security policy or its continued material support for Ukraine's defense.

儘管存在這些緊張局勢，總理唐納德·圖斯克倡導減少情緒化言論，以防止俄羅斯聯邦利用此裂痕。此外，納夫羅茨基總統明確表示，此次外交分歧不會改變波蘭安全政策的戰略基礎，或其對烏克蘭國防持續提供的物質支持。

Conclusion

The two nations remain co-hosts of an upcoming reconstruction conference in Gdansk, despite the ongoing disagreement over historical narratives.

儘管對歷史敘事仍有分歧，但兩國依然將共同主辦即將在格但斯克舉行的重建會議。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Diplomatic Precision: Nominalization and the 'Erasure of Agency'

To move from B2 to C2, a student must stop describing actions and start describing phenomena. The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the process of turning verbs (actions) into nouns (concepts). This is the primary linguistic tool used in high-level diplomacy to maintain a facade of objectivity and formality.

🔍 The Linguistic Shift

Observe how the text avoids simple subject-verb-object patterns. A B2 student might write: "The Polish government took back the award because they disagreed about history."

The C2 evolution transforms this into:

*"The current diplomatic friction originated from the decision..."

Analysis:

  • "Friction" replaces "they are fighting."
  • "Originated from the decision" replaces "it started because they decided."

By turning the action ("deciding") into a noun ("the decision"), the writer detaches the event from the person, making the statement feel like an immutable historical fact rather than a personal quarrel.

⚡ The "Weighty" Lexis of Statecraft

C2 mastery requires the use of precise modifiers that signal a specific intellectual register. Note these high-density pairings:

  • "Predicated on" →\rightarrow Used instead of "based on." It implies a logical foundation or a formal justification.
  • "Manifestation of condescension" →\rightarrow This is not just "being rude." A "manifestation" is a physical or visible sign of an abstract quality. This phrasing elevates a complaint to a systemic critique.
  • "Strategic foundations" →\rightarrow This signals that the relationship is not based on friendship (emotion), but on utility and security (architecture).

🛠️ Sophisticated Syntactic Contrast

Notice the use of "Conversely" and "Despite these tensions."

While B2 students rely on "But" or "However," the C2 writer uses discourse markers that act as logical pivots. "Conversely" doesn't just show a difference; it sets up a formal mirror image of two opposing legal or historical claims. "Despite these tensions" functions as a concessive clause, acknowledging a conflict while simultaneously dismissing it as secondary to a larger strategic goal.

C2 Takeaway: To achieve mastery, stop reporting what happened. Start reporting the nature of what happened by converting actions into abstract nouns and anchoring them with academic modifiers.

Vocabulary Learning

rescind (v.)
To revoke, cancel, or repeal a law, order, or agreement.
Example:The company decided to rescind the job offer after the candidate failed the background check.
predicated (v.)
Based on or founded upon a specific premise or set of conditions.
Example:The success of the new economic policy is predicated on the assumption that inflation will remain low.
polarized (adj.)
Divided into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
Example:The public remains deeply polarized over the proposed changes to the healthcare system.
prerequisite (n.)
A thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist.
Example:A basic understanding of algebra is a prerequisite for taking the advanced physics course.
condescension (n.)
An attitude of patronizing superiority; displaying a feeling of descending from a superior rank to deal with others.
Example:The professor's tone of condescension during the lecture alienated many of the students.
rhetoric (n.)
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially when lacking sincerity or meaningful content.
Example:The politician's fiery rhetoric failed to mask the lack of a concrete plan for economic recovery.
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