Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former Polish President Lech Wałęsa are among the first recipients of the European Parliament's new European Order of Merit, an award intended to honor those who have significantly contributed to building Europe.

Former Polish President and legendary leader of the Solidarity movement of the 1980s, Lech Wałęsa, says he always wears a pin with the Ukrainian flag on his jacket lapel or shirt to remind the world of the suffering of the Ukrainian people and their urgent need for help.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the first recipients of the newly established European Order of Merit, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, among 20 honorees.

Lech Wałęsa, former Polish President, stated that Ukraine must not cede any territory to Russia and that the European Union should facilitate Ukraine's swift integration into the EU.

Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa stated he is unsure whether Donald Trump is a 'pawn of Moscow' or a 'phenomenal politician,' but he understands why the US did not vote for the latest UN resolution supporting Ukraine.