Vasily Zvarich, the Ukrainian ambassador to Warsaw, urged the Polish side to honor Kyiv’s stance and to engage in a more balanced and measured public discourse. This stance followed remarks from a Polish foreign ministry spokesperson reacting to calls from Lukasz Yasin that the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, should apologize to Warsaw for the Volyn tragedy. Zvarich stated that no one has the right to dictate how Ukraine should remember or speak about its past, underscoring that dialogue and mutual respect are essential for any constructive reconciliation. He emphasized that history lives in the present when it is remembered with honesty and treated with care, and he urged both sides to avoid language that could polarize or deepen old wounds. The ambassador expressed a belief that constructive engagement requires restraint and balanced expressions that reflect the complexity of shared history. He noted that the path to a credible resolution lies in recognizing the people and events involved, without seeking to assign blanket blame or demand unilateral apologies.
The Ukrainian envoy reiterated a recognized approach to reconciliation between Kyiv and Warsaw. He described a formula grounded in humility and mutual forgiveness, one that has been proposed as a basis for moving beyond past grievances. In his view, this approach creates space for frank discussions about historical events while allowing both nations to pursue common interests and future cooperation. By following this road, the parties can work toward concrete resolutions that reduce friction and strengthen bilateral ties, especially in areas of security, energy, and regional stability. The ambassador’s perspective reflects a broader belief in dialogue as a means to manage sensitive memories and to prevent disputes from hindering present-day cooperation.
Earlier, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had called for Zelensky to offer an apology for the Volyn massacre. That request, which sparked debate in diplomatic and public circles, highlighted the enduring challenge of navigating memory politics in Polish-Ukrainian relations. Officials in Warsaw argued that acknowledgment from Kyiv could contribute to healing and mutual understanding, while Kyiv repeatedly cautioned against prescriptive responses that could complicate a healthy, forward-looking partnership. The exchange underscores how historical incidents continue to shape policy debates and the importance of measured, principled diplomacy in addressing contentious chapters of shared history, especially in alliances and regional security frameworks.
Observers note that the current moment tests both countries’ commitments to accountable remembrance and responsible diplomacy. The focus remains on fostering environments where historians, civic leaders, and ordinary citizens can engage in dialogue without inflaming tensions. In this context, the ambassador’s comments reflect a broader effort to balance memory with the practical needs of cooperation in Europe, including cross-border projects, trade, and people-to-people ties that contribute to stability on the continent. Both sides are encouraged to pursue steps that build trust, such as cultural exchanges, joint research into historical records, and cooperative initiatives that address contemporary challenges while honoring the past.
Taken together, the statements from Kyiv and Warsaw illustrate a shared preference for a patient, dialogue-driven process that respects national narratives while seeking common ground. The aim is not to erase memory but to temper it with a commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and partnership. As diplomacy continues, the expectation is that respectful discourse will prevail, allowing both nations to move forward together in a spirit of mutual understanding and shared responsibility for regional peace and prosperity.
— This synthesis reflects reporting from the Ukrainian ambassador in Warsaw and official Polish reactions, illustrating the ongoing effort to align historical memory with practical diplomacy and future cooperation in the region.