Disputes between Kyiv and Warsaw over historical issues have not disappeared, but bilateral dialogue is gradually shifting towards a practical dimension, covering security, military support, and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. According to Piotr Łukasiewicz, Chargé d'Affaires of Poland to Ukraine, the formula «let's leave history to historians» does not work in modern realities, as a painful past continues to influence public sentiment in both countries.
Historical discussions and lessons of the past
As the diplomat noted in the interview, the June tension in bilateral relations was caused not by the award of the Order of the White Eagle itself, but by the decision to assign an honorary title to one of the Ukrainian units named after UPA heroes. The Polish side consistently states that it does not impose heroes on sovereign Ukraine, but urges consideration of the feelings of families whose historical memory is affected by the tragic events of the past century. The past remains a heavy burden that requires a delicate yet open dialogue.
Breakthrough in exhumation and search issues
A major achievement of the bilateral partnership recently has been the government-level agreement to unblock the process of exhumations and search operations. This step has allowed sharp historical disputes to be transferred into a constructive channel, avoiding escalation. The leadership of both states is well aware that ignoring such problems only plays into the hands of external forces seeking to destroy the strategic partnership between Kyiv and Warsaw.
Common enemy and strategic future
The main uniting factor for Ukraine and Poland remains opposition to Russian aggression, which both states view as a key source of destabilization and threats in the region. Historical differences take a back seat in the face of the existential danger faced by Ukrainians and Poles. The diplomat emphasized that the past cannot be changed, but current leaders have all the levers of influence to build a safe and prosperous joint future.
