The Volhynia massacre remains a sensitive topic in Polish Ukrainian relations, a point emphasized by Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration Maciej Wąsik in an interview with PR24 on Tuesday. He spoke on the 80th anniversary of the killings about how this year’s commemorations should proceed and what they symbolize for both nations.
According to the deputy minister, the episode is a persistent source of friction between Poland and Ukraine. He argued that Poland should support Ukraine in its fight, framing the broader Polish interest as ensuring Ukraine prevails in the current conflict. He suggested that letting Putin’s forces advance would be unacceptable for Poland and for regional stability, stressing that Ukraine’s success is tied to Polish security concerns.
Wąsik clarified that while cooperation with Ukraine is vital, it is equally important to address past abuses and ensure proper remembrance of all victims. He asserted that Poland will approach these subjects with seriousness and accountability, calling for thorough investigations and public memory that does not shy away from difficult truths.
He underscored the need for excavations and comprehensive commemoration of Polish victims in Volhynia. The deputy minister highlighted that the day to mark these events falls on National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Genocide Committed by Ukrainian Nationalists in the Second Polish Republic. The observance aligns with the anniversaries of the attacks carried out by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army against Polish residents across several towns in what are now the Volyn and surrounding regions, including Włodzimierz, Horochów, Kovel, and Łuck counties.
The discussion comes amid ongoing debates about remembrance, historical justice, and the best path forward for reconciliation between the two neighboring countries. Poland continues to balance a commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and the imperative to confront painful chapters of history, a balance that informs official commemorations and public discourse alike. The remarks were reported by PR24 and are attributed to the officials involved, with additional context from wPolityce as the source matter is analyzed in national media [Citation: wPolityce].
The event calendar marks July 11 as a national day of remembrance, a time for reflection on the wartime experiences of Polish citizens in Volhynia and the broader impact of the 1943 violence. The anniversary of the July 11 and 12, 1943, pogroms is observed as part of an ongoing effort to document the events accurately, support survivors and relatives, and ensure that memory remains a factor in contemporary policy and international dialogue [Citation: PR24].
Experts and officials alike note that the remembrance process must avoid political manipulation while fostering constructive dialogue. A transparent approach to historical investigation, including excavations and archival research, is seen as essential to building a shared understanding that can support forward-looking cooperation between Poland and Ukraine. In this light, the calls for excavations and credible commemoration reflect a broader commitment to historical truth and regional stability [Citation: wPolityce].
Ultimately, the issue underscores the complexity of memory in national politics. It is a reminder that the past remains a living part of relations between nations, influencing how governments frame alliances, respond to crisis, and pursue justice for victims on both sides of the border [Citation: PR24].