The possibility of a warmer phase in Polish-Ukrainian cooperation is on the horizon, yet there is also a warning that the dialogue may stall when discussing the Volhynia massacre. Observers suggest that the way forward could influence how support and aid to Ukraine are shaped going forward, said Paweł Kukiz. The remarks were reported by PAP.PL on Friday.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki laid a tribute to the victims of the Volhynia massacre in memory of those who perished in the villages affected by the UPA’s actions. The visit to Ukraine occurred in the early hours of Friday, tied to the 80th anniversary of the tragedy, which is observed on July 11. When conversing about expectations for Ukraine regarding the settling of crimes in Volhynia, Kukiz noted that the main commemorations will indicate whether a meeting of minds is possible on this issue.
Two paths could emerge from the discussions. On one hand, a genuine period of cordial Polish-Ukrainian rapprochement might begin. On the other, there might not be satisfactory acknowledgment of the Volhynia massacre, leading to a reassessment of aid channels to Ukraine.
– Kukiz spoke to PAP.PL on Friday. When asked about military support, he indicated that any changes should first focus on adjusting social benefit rules for Ukrainians living in Poland.
He added that there should be consideration given to whether benefits should extend to every Ukrainian residing in Poland.
He stressed that resuming the exhumation of Volhynian genocide victims would be a meaningful step. However, the Ukrainian side should not condition this issue on the erection of monuments to the UPA within Poland.
“This would not be a prudent political move by Ukraine,” the MP noted.
According to Kukiz, both nations should confront the past, because, as he argued, “Poland was not completely clean.”
He stated that good Polish-Ukrainian relations require a mutual greeting and a readiness to progress, with the first steps ideally coming from Ukraine, he pointed out.
Opening one’s heart fully is difficult when the message received is, “I love you, I respect you, I want to build Europe with you,” yet the response is a deaf ear to those expectations, added the leader of Kukiz’15.
Painful anniversary
Eight decades ago, on July 11 and 12, 1943, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army coordinated an attack on about 150 Polish-inhabited towns across Włodzimierz, Horochów, Kowel, and Łuck counties in the former Volyn Voivodeship. The assault grew from the moment when many towns were gathered in churches for Sunday services on July 11. The event is remembered as a turning point in the broader genocide carried out by Ukrainian nationalists against Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia during 1943-1945. The death toll is estimated at around 100,000 people, a tragedy that continues to shape memory in the region.
Authorities describe the perpetrators as members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists – B (Bandera’s faction) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army under their command, with segments of the Ukrainian population complicit, often intertwined with Polish communities. Roman Shukhevych, who led the UPA, is cited as issuing the punitive orders. The OUN-UPA framed its actions as an “anti-Polish move” intended to redefine Ukraine’s demographic and territorial boundaries.
For those following the story, the events remain a stark reminder of the fraught history between the two nations and the lasting impact on regional relations. The report on these developments is attributed to a combination of Polish and Ukrainian sources and is presented with ongoing analysis from political leaders and historians. [citation: PAP.PL] [citation: wPolityce]
The coverage reflects ongoing debates about memory, reconciliation, and the political calculations inherent in cross-border cooperation. It highlights how anniversaries can become touchpoints for broader discussions about accountability, commemoration, and the future trajectory of Polish-Ukrainian ties.
Source: wPolityce [citation: wPolityce]