Wodziński, known as “Exen,” received the distinction from Piotr Łukasiewicz, the Polish Embassy’s chargé d’affaires in Ukraine, during a reception in Kyiv marking Polish Armed Forces Day.
The Polish activist and his team have sent 350 vehicles to the front line, funded by a nationwide Polish fundraising effort, directly supporting soldiers and their operations.
The Bene Merito badge, established in 2009, is awarded by the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs to individuals whose activities strengthen Poland’s international standing.
Polish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski explained that the award, whose name means “well-deserving,” recognises exceptional contributions to promoting Poland abroad.
Łukasiewicz emphasised that Wodziński’s work demonstrates the importance of civic activism and social mobilisation, particularly in times of crisis.
Wodziński continues to deliver vehicles to key areas along the front, including Kharkiv, Sloviansk, and Zaporizhzhia, navigating ongoing risks such as Russian drones.
Since the full-scale invasion, over 20,000 people have contributed to his fundraising efforts, though recent support has declined as the war enters its fourth year.
Bene Merito (photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland)
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Source: MSZ/IAR/PAP/@sikorskiradek