Poland is to establish a national memorial dedicated to the victims of what Prime Minister Donald Tusk has described as a "genocide committed by Ukrainian nationalists" during the Second World War. The announcement was made on the anniversary of the Volhynia massacres, an event that remains a significant point of contention between Warsaw and Kyiv.
According to Polish historical accounts, an estimated 100,000 ethnic Poles were killed by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in the Volhynia, Eastern Galicia, and Lublin regions between 1943 and 1945. These territories, then part of German-occupied Poland, now largely lie within modern-day Ukraine. While many in Ukraine view the UPA as freedom fighters who resisted both Soviet and Nazi German forces, Poland maintains that their actions constituted a brutal campaign against Polish civilians. The historical narrative is further complicated by estimates that between 10,000 and 12,000 Ukrainian civilians also died in retaliatory attacks by Polish forces.
Prime Minister Tusk emphasised that acknowledging this difficult past is crucial for building a better future, stating, "Truth is our duty toward the victims, but also a way to overcome a painful past for the sake of a better future." He urged Ukraine to "embrace this truth" as a condition for its aspirations to join the European Union. This call comes amidst heightened diplomatic tensions, exemplified by Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision last month to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Poland's highest state honour, the Order of the White Eagle. This unprecedented move followed Zelensky's decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after the UPA.
Despite the ongoing historical disagreements, both nations recognise the immediate and pressing threat posed by Russia. President Nawrocki stressed that the diplomatic row would not diminish Poland's unwavering support for Ukraine in its defence against the full-scale Russian invasion launched in 2022. Similarly, President Zelensky acknowledged the shared peril, stating in a video address, "Ukraine and Poland have one common threat, and this is a mortal threat to our independence, to our states, to every city, to every village, and this threat is called Russia." He also noted joint prayers held in both countries to commemorate the Volhynia victims, indicating efforts towards reconciliation.
For UK readers, the situation highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe, where historical grievances intertwine with current alliances. The UK government, through the Foreign Office, continues to advise against all travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. While British nationals are not directly impacted by the historical dispute itself, the stability of the region and the unity of allies against Russian aggression are of significant interest. The diplomatic friction between Poland and Ukraine, two key partners in the European response to Russia, could have broader implications for regional security and the effectiveness of international support for Kyiv.