In Lutsk, the leaders of Ukraine and Poland gathered to mark a somber milestone related to a painful chapter in history. The Ukrainian president spoke of valuing every life, remembering the past, and standing together for freedom as the two presidents attended the 80th anniversary remembrance of the Volhynia genocide. The gathering brought together President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Andrzej Duda, who shared a moment of reflection in the city that has long stood at the crossroads of Eastern Europe’s complex history.
The day began with a morning meeting between the two leaders and a shared participation in a religious service. Members of various denominations were present as the presidents joined others in a Holy Mass at a Lutsk church. After the ceremony, both presidents laid wreaths and paid tribute to the memory of all those who suffered in Volhynia, underscoring the value of every life and the commitment to uphold freedom in the face of historical tragedies.
Officials reported Zelensky’s remarks in a communiqué, noting the emphasis on unity and remembrance as the leaders stood together at the corollary events of the day.
Conversation of presidents
Later in the morning, the presidents stood before the Roman Catholic cathedral in Lutsk, where a solemn service was held for the victims of the Volhynian massacre. The pair took part in the ceremonial lighting of candles at the cathedral altar, a gesture that highlighted reconciliation and mutual respect between the two nations.
During the walk from the cathedral to the Lutsk Castle, the two leaders held a brief ten-minute discussion on the square. The Ukrainian president disclosed that the subject of their exchange touched on the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, signaling a shared interest in regional security and alliance solidarity.
On social media, Zelensky described the brief talk with Duda as a chance to outline joint priorities for Ukraine ahead of the Vilnius summits, stressing the intent to work together to secure strong outcomes for Kyiv.
A history of crime
The anniversary event drew attention to the period of 1943 to 1945, when the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and its military wing carried out coordinated violence against Polish communities in several towns within the former Volyn Voivodeship. The events of July 1943, often called a climactic moment of ethnic violence in the region, resulted in a substantial loss of life among Polish residents and left a lasting scar on Polish-Ukrainian relations. The figure commonly cited for the casualties in these incidents is around 100,000, reflecting a tragic scale of violence during that era.
Historical accounts link the violence to official directions issued by leaders within the Ukrainian nationalist movement, which prompted harsh measures aimed at reshaping the demographic makeup of the area. The actions were framed by the perpetrators as a political move to realize territorial goals, with the broader aim of shaping a postwar territorial order in the region.
Reflections on these events continue to influence contemporary dialogue about memory, reconciliation, and accountability in Polish-Ukrainian relations. The remembrance serves as a reminder of the long shadows cast by ethnic conflict and the ongoing need for trust between neighboring nations.
— Zelensky’s remarks, highlighting joint remembrance and the resolution to honor all innocent victims of Volhynia, emphasize how memory can connect peoples and guide future cooperation
– A notable moment of solidarity? The presidents of Poland and Ukraine paid respects to victims at an ecumenical service in Lutsk, reinforcing shared commitments to peace
– QUESTIONNAIRE. A majority in Poland supports Zelensky’s apology for Volhynia crimes, while many believe reconciliation remains possible in time
Mon PAP
Source: wPolityce