Poland and Ukraine are Angry

Jun 21, 2026, 09:10
EuropePolitics
A2

Poland and Ukraine are Angry

波蘭與烏克蘭感到憤怒

Introduction

The President of Poland took away a special medal from the President of Ukraine. Now, many leaders in Ukraine are also giving back their Polish medals.

波蘭總統收回了授予烏克蘭總統的特別勳章。現在，許多烏克蘭領導人也正將他們獲得的波蘭勳章歸還。

Main Body

President Nawrocki of Poland is angry. Ukraine gave a name to a military group. This name reminds Poland of a bad war in the past. Poland says this is not okay.

波蘭總統 Nawrocki 非常憤怒。烏克蘭為一個軍事組織命名，而這個名稱讓波蘭想起過去一段慘痛的戰爭歷史。波蘭表示這樣是不對的。

President Zelenskyy of Ukraine gave the medal back. Other Ukrainian leaders did the same. They say Poland is wrong. They think this fight helps Russia.

烏克蘭總統 Zelenskyy 將勳章歸還了。其他烏克蘭領導人也採取相同行動。他們認為波蘭錯了，並認為這場爭執對俄羅斯有利。

Some people in Poland agree with the President. Other people, like Prime Minister Tusk, are worried. They do not want the two countries to fight.

波蘭部分民眾同意總統的看法。但其他人，例如總理 Tusk，則感到擔心。他們不希望兩個國家之間發生衝突。

Conclusion

Poland and Ukraine are friends, but they disagree about history. This makes their relationship difficult now.

波蘭與烏克蘭雖然是朋友，但在歷史議題上存在分歧。這使得他們目前的關係變得困難。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Opposite' Pattern

In this story, we see people feeling different things. To get to A2, you need to describe these differences simply.

The Contrast:

  • Angry →\rightarrow (Not happy/Mad)
  • Agree →\rightarrow (Say 'Yes' to an idea)
  • Disagree →\rightarrow (Say 'No' to an idea)

How to use it: When two people have different ideas, we use the word BUT.

Poland and Ukraine are friends, but they disagree.

Quick Look: 'Give' vs 'Take' Notice how the medals move in the text:

  1. Poland took away the medal. (Gone ←\leftarrow)
  2. Ukraine gave back the medal. (Return →\rightarrow)

Tip: Use 'Give back' when you return something you don't want anymore.

Vocabulary Learning

medal (n.)
A metal circle given as a prize or for honor
Example:The soldier received a gold medal for his bravery.
military (adj.)
Related to the army or soldiers
Example:The city has a large military base.
reminds (v.)
To make someone think of something from the past
Example:This song reminds me of my childhood.
worried (adj.)
Feeling unhappy because you think something bad will happen
Example:I am worried about the storm tomorrow.
disagree (v.)
To have a different opinion from someone else
Example:My brother and I disagree about which movie is better.
relationship (n.)
The way two people or countries behave toward each other
Example:The relationship between the two neighbors is very friendly.
B2

Diplomatic Tension Between Poland and Ukraine After State Honors are Withdrawn

波蘭撤回國家榮譽後，波烏兩國外交關係緊張

Introduction

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has taken away the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which has caused Ukrainian officials to return their own Polish state awards in response.

波蘭總統 Karol Nawrocki 撤回了授予烏克蘭總統 Volodymyr Zelenskyy 的「白鷹勳章」，導致烏克蘭官員採取反制措施，將其持有的波蘭國家獎項退回。

Main Body

President Nawrocki made this decision after the Ukrainian government named a military unit the 'Heroes of the UPA,' referring to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. From Poland's point of view, this is unacceptable because the UPA is linked to the mass killing of Polish civilians during World War II. Although President Nawrocki emphasized that this move does not change Poland's security strategy or its support for Ukraine's defense against Russia, he stated that the decision was necessary to protect historical memory.

總統 Nawrocki 是因為烏克蘭政府將一個軍事單位命名為「UPA 英雄」（指烏克蘭反抗軍）而做出這個決定。從波蘭的觀點來看，這是不可接受的，因為 UPA 與二戰期間大規模屠殺波蘭平民的事件有關。雖然總統 Nawrocki 強調此舉不會改變波蘭的安全策略或對烏克蘭抵抗俄羅斯的支持，但他表示，為了保護歷史記憶，這個決定是必要的。

In response, President Zelenskyy returned the award and questioned its value, noting that the honor had previously been given to figures like Benito Mussolini. Other former presidents and high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, followed this example. Ukrainian representatives described the Polish decision as historically unfair and a strategic mistake that could actually help Russia.

作為回應，總統 Zelenskyy 退回了該獎項並質疑其價值，指出此榮譽先前曾被授予如貝尼托·墨索里尼（Benito Mussolini）之類的人物。其他前總統與高階官員，包括外交部長 Andrii Sybiha，也效法此舉。烏克蘭代表形容波蘭的決定在歷史上是不公正的，且是一個戰略錯誤，實際上可能會對俄羅斯有所幫助。

Inside Poland, there are different opinions on the matter. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and government officials expressed concern that these tensions would be used by Moscow to their advantage. On the other hand, opposition leaders supported the president, and a survey showed that 51.2% of the public agreed with the decision. Furthermore, former Prime Minister Leszek Miller suggested that if Ukraine returns symbolic honors, Poland should consider asking for the return of military equipment, such as tanks and aircraft.

波蘭內部對此事持有不同意見。總理 Donald Tusk 及政府官員擔心莫斯科會利用這些緊張局勢來獲益。另一方面，反對黨領袖則支持總統，一項調查顯示 51.2% 的公眾同意該決定。此外，前總理 Leszek Miller 建議，如果烏克蘭退回象徵性榮譽，波蘭應考慮要求其退回軍事設備，例如坦克與飛機。

Conclusion

The relationship between the two countries is currently unstable as they struggle to agree on 20th-century history while facing a shared security crisis.

由於兩國在面對共同安全危機之餘，還需在 20 世紀歷史問題上達成共識，目前的關係相當不穩定。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The "B2 Leap": Moving from Simple Descriptions to Complex Logic

As an A2 learner, you usually connect ideas with and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Contrast and Concession. These allow you to show that two ideas are opposing, even if one doesn't cancel the other out.

🔍 The Linguistic Goldmine

Look at this specific sentence from the text:

*"Although President Nawrocki emphasized that this move does not change Poland's security strategy... he stated that the decision was necessary..."

The Analysis: In A2, you would say: "The move does not change the strategy, BUT the decision was necessary."

At B2, we use Although. Why? Because Although prepares the reader for a contradiction. It signals that the first piece of information (security strategy is fine) is less important than the second piece of information (the decision was necessary). It creates a sophisticated "bridge" between two conflicting realities.

🛠️ Practical Upgrades

Stop using "But" at the start of every sentence. Try these instead:

  • Although / Even though →\rightarrow Use these to introduce a surprising contrast.
    • Example: Even though they are allies, they disagree on history.
  • On the other hand →\rightarrow Use this when comparing two different groups or opinions.
    • Example: The government is concerned. On the other hand, the public agrees.
  • Furthermore →\rightarrow Use this instead of "also" to add a serious, formal point.
    • Example: The relationship is unstable. Furthermore, equipment may be returned.

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

B2 speakers don't just give facts; they give nuance. By using Although or On the other hand, you stop sounding like a list of sentences and start sounding like a cohesive argument.

Vocabulary Learning

withdraw (v.)
To take back or remove something, such as a statement, a promise, or an award.
Example:The company decided to withdraw its offer after the candidate declined the position.
unacceptable (adj.)
Something that is not satisfactory or cannot be allowed or tolerated.
Example:The quality of the service at the hotel was completely unacceptable.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher wanted to emphasize the importance of reviewing the notes before the exam.
strategic (adj.)
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Example:The company made a strategic decision to expand into the Asian market.
advantage (n.)
A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position.
Example:Being bilingual gives her a significant advantage in the international job market.
unstable (adj.)
Likely to change or fail; not firmly fixed or balanced.
Example:The political situation in the region remains unstable after the recent elections.
C2

Diplomatic Friction Between Poland and Ukraine Following Revocation of State Honors

波蘭撤銷國家榮譽後與烏克蘭產生外交摩擦

Introduction

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has revoked the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, precipitating a series of reciprocal renunciations of state awards by Ukrainian officials.

波蘭總統卡羅爾·納夫羅茨基撤銷了烏克蘭總統澤倫斯基的「白鷹勳章」，促使烏克蘭官員採取一系列對等的放棄國家獎項行動。

Main Body

The revocation was initiated by President Nawrocki following the Ukrainian administration's decision to designate a military unit as the 'Heroes of the UPA,' referencing the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. From the Polish perspective, this action constitutes a transgression of historical boundaries, as the UPA is associated with the genocide of Polish civilians during World War II. While President Nawrocki asserted that this measure does not alter Poland's strategic security posture or its support for Ukraine's defense against Russia, he characterized the decision as a necessary signal regarding the preservation of historical memory.

此次撤銷是由納夫羅茨基總統發起，主因是烏克蘭政府決定將一個軍事單位命名為「UPA英雄」，UPA是指烏克蘭反叛軍。從波蘭的角度來看，此舉構成了對歷史界限的逾越，因為 UPA 與第二次世界大戰期間對波蘭平民的種族滅絕相關。雖然納夫羅茨基總統聲明此措施不會改變波蘭的戰略安全姿態或對烏克蘭對抗俄羅斯的支持，但他將此決定定調為關於保存歷史記憶的必要訊號。

In response, President Zelenskyy returned the decoration, suggesting that the honor's validity was questionable given its historical conferral upon figures such as Catherine II and Benito Mussolini. This gesture was mirrored by former Ukrainian presidents Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, and Petro Poroshenko, as well as Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and other high-ranking officials. Ukrainian representatives, including Kyrylo Budanov and Vasyl Bodnar, characterized the Polish decision as historically unjust and a strategic error that potentially benefits the Russian Federation.

作為回應，澤倫斯基總統退回了勳章，並暗示考慮到該榮譽曾授予凱瑟琳二世和墨索基尼等人物，其有效性令人質疑。這一舉動隨後被前烏克蘭總統庫其馬、尤申科和波羅申科，以及外交部長西比哈和其他高層官員效仿。包括布達諾夫和博德納在內的烏克蘭代表，將波蘭的決定描述為歷史上不公正且可能使俄羅斯聯邦獲益的戰略錯誤。

Internal Polish discourse reveals a divergence in institutional positioning. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and government spokespersons expressed concern that the escalation of bilateral tensions would be exploited by Moscow. Conversely, opposition figures supported the president's decision, and a public survey indicated that 51.2% of respondents favored the withdrawal of the honor. Further complicating the matter, former Prime Minister Leszek Miller suggested that if Ukrainian officials are inclined to return symbolic honors, a commensurate return of Polish military hardware, including MiG aircraft and tanks, should be considered. Legal ambiguities persist regarding the necessity of a prime ministerial countersignature for the revocation of such decorations.

波蘭內部的論述顯示出機構定位的分歧。總理圖斯克和政府發言人表示擔心雙邊緊張局勢的升級將被莫斯科利用。相反，反對派人士支持總統的決定，一項公眾調查顯示 51.2% 的受訪者贊成撤銷該榮譽。更複雜的是，前總理米勒建議，如果烏克蘭官員傾向於退回象徵性榮譽，則應考慮對等地退回波蘭的軍事設備，包括米格戰機和坦克。關於撤銷此類勳章是否需要總理副署，法律上仍存在模糊之處。

Conclusion

The bilateral relationship currently faces a period of instability as both nations navigate conflicting interpretations of 20th-century history amidst an ongoing security crisis.

由於兩國在持續的安全危機中，對 20 世紀歷史有衝突的詮釋，目前的雙邊關係正面臨一段不穩定時期。

Vocabulary Learning

◈ The Architecture of 'Diplomatic Euphemism' & Nominalization

To transition from B2 to C2, a learner must move beyond describing actions to conceptualizing them. This text is a masterclass in high-register nominalization—the process of turning verbs (actions) into nouns (concepts) to create an objective, detached, and authoritative tone.

⧉ The 'C2 Shift': Action →\rightarrow Abstract Concept

Observe how the text avoids simple narrative verbs in favor of heavy nouns that carry systemic weight:

  • Instead of: "The two countries started arguing..."
  • The C2 approach: "...precipitating a series of reciprocal renunciations."

Analysis: 'Reciprocal renunciations' is a dense linguistic cluster. Reciprocal (mutual/opposite) + Renunciation (the formal act of giving up a claim). By nominalizing the act of returning the awards, the author transforms a petty dispute into a formal political phenomenon.

⧉ Lexical Precision: The 'Nuance Spectrum'

C2 mastery requires the ability to distinguish between 'wrong' and 'transgressive.' Note the strategic use of Institutional Vocabulary:

  1. "Transgression of historical boundaries": This is far more sophisticated than saying "ignoring history." It suggests a violation of a sacred or agreed-upon limit.
  2. "Strategic security posture": A classic C2 collocation. It doesn't just mean "defense plan"; it describes the overall orientation of a state's military readiness.
  3. "Commensurate return": Commensurate is the surgical tool of C2 English. It replaces "equal" or "similar," specifically implying that the scale of the response must match the scale of the offense.

⧉ Syntactic Compression

Look at the sentence: "Internal Polish discourse reveals a divergence in institutional positioning."

If a B2 student wrote this, they might say: "People in Poland are arguing because different government offices have different opinions."

The C2 alchemy here is:

  • Discourse (The entire body of communication)
  • Divergence (The act of moving apart)
  • Institutional positioning (The specific 'stance' taken by an organization)

This compression allows the writer to convey a complex political reality in a single, elegant clause, stripping away the 'clutter' of human subjects and replacing them with systemic abstractions.

Vocabulary Learning

precipitating (v.)
Causing an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable, to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
Example:The sudden increase in interest rates ended up precipitating a severe financial crisis.
reciprocal (adj.)
Given, felt, or done in return; affecting two or more parties equally.
Example:The two nations signed a reciprocal trade agreement to lower tariffs for each other's exports.
renunciations (n.)
The formal rejection of a belief, claim, or possession.
Example:The diplomat's public renunciations of his former political ties surprised the international community.
transgression (n.)
An act that goes beyond the bounds of a moral principle or established standard of behavior; a violation.
Example:The company viewed the leak of confidential data as a grave transgression of the employment contract.
conferral (n.)
The act of granting a title, degree, benefit, or right to someone.
Example:The conferral of the honorary doctorate took place during a lavish ceremony at the university.
divergence (n.)
The process or state of separating or moving in different directions; a lack of agreement.
Example:There is a growing divergence between the views of the executive branch and the legislative body.
commensurate (adj.)
Corresponding in size, amount, or degree; proportionate.
Example:The salary for the position will be commensurate with the candidate's level of experience.
countersignature (n.)
An additional signature on a document to verify or validate the first signature.
Example:The decree is not legally binding until it receives the countersignature of the Prime Minister.
Practice All words in a crossword→