Poland Reaffirms Firm Stance on Volhynia Memory Amid Renewed Ukraine Tensions
Poland has reiterated its firm position on the historical memory of the Volhynia massacres amid renewed diplomatic friction with Ukraine over the legacy of nationalist wartime groups.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said he conveyed Warsaw’s concerns during a meeting with Kyrylo Budanov, a senior representative of the Ukrainian presidential office. The discussion focused on Ukraine’s reported decision to name a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Poland considers the memory of victims of the Volhynia massacres “non-negotiable,” emphasizing that historical truth must be acknowledged to maintain strong bilateral relations.
He added that while Poland and Ukraine remain close partners in matters of security, honest dialogue about historical events is essential for building long-term trust and cooperation.
The dispute centers on the legacy of the UPA, a wartime nationalist organization that fought for Ukrainian independence during and after World War II. In Poland, the group is strongly associated with the Volhynia massacres of 1943–44, during which tens of thousands of Polish civilians were killed, according to Polish historical accounts.
Poland’s parliament has classified the killings as genocide, while Ukraine has generally viewed the UPA as part of its broader resistance against Nazi Germany and Soviet rule.
The differing interpretations have repeatedly caused diplomatic tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv, even as both countries maintain close cooperation in response to regional security challenges, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Recent reports that a Ukrainian military formation was named in honor of the “Heroes of the UPA” have reignited criticism from Polish political leaders across the spectrum, further straining historical and political relations between the two neighbors.
Despite ongoing disagreements, both sides continue to stress the importance of maintaining strategic partnership while addressing sensitive historical issues through dialogue.
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