Relations between Ukraine and Poland, traditionally considered strategically important, have once again come under scrutiny due to historical issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has officially responded to a new resolution by the Polish Sejm commemorating the anniversary of the Volhynian Tragedy. The ministry's statement calls on Warsaw for the necessity of an equal dialogue and mutual respect.
Kyiv's Position: Parity and Scientific Approach
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has noted the adoption by the Polish parliament of another document dedicated to the tragic events in Volhynia. However, the Ukrainian side emphasizes that on July 11, the date of the anniversary itself, Kyiv already paid tribute to all victims at the highest level. Representatives of both countries honored the memory of the innocently killed Ukrainians and Poles both on Ukrainian territory and in Poland.
The key requirement from Kyiv is a transition to a constructive and professional dialogue. The ministry insists that establishing the truth about the past must occur exclusively through a scientific approach. The priority remains the continuation of joint search and exhumation works on the territories of both states.
Joint Resistance and Shared Values
Despite historical disagreements, Ukraine continues to value Poland as one of its closest allies in the resistance against Russian aggression. The MFA statement conveys the thought that "the pain of the past should not divide peoples who are today united by common values, a common enemy, and a common European future".
Kyiv calls on Warsaw to adhere to a parity approach in all bilateral issues. This includes mutual respect for the national memory policies of both countries and pragmatic good neighborliness aimed at strengthening the positions of both Ukraine and Poland.
Context: Bill on OUN and UPA
Tensions in the dialogue are exacerbated by legislative initiatives in Poland. Earlier, the first reading of a presidential bill took place in the Sejm, which provides for criminal liability for the public promotion of the ideology of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
Previously, in response to these steps, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine had already called on Warsaw to refrain from escalatory actions capable of complicating relations. The reminder of the joint events on July 11, in which Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz participated, serves as a reminder that dialogue between the countries continues, despite complex historical chapters.
