Poland and Ukraine reaffirmed their strategic partnership while addressing historical tensions during the 13th session of the Polish-Ukrainian Parliamentary Assembly in Warsaw on Tuesday.
High on the agenda were Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and the European Union, as well as unresolved disputes over the exhumation of victims of the 1943 Volhynia massacre.
Deputy Speaker of Poland’s Parliament, Monika Wielichowska, reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s integration into the Western alliances, declaring that Ukraine’s victory against Russia was essential for European security.
“Poland will continue to support Ukraine’s membership negotiations with the EU during its presidency of the EU Council,” said Wielichowska. She also said that Ukraine's membership in NATO was in the strategic interest of both.
“Poland is our strategic partner, not only economically but also in the context of international politics and security,” Ukraine’s Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Olena Kondratiuk said.
Deputy Speaker of Poland’s Parliament, Monika Wielichowska, reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s integration into the Western alliances, declaring that Ukraine’s victory against Russia was essential for European security.
“Poland will continue to support Ukraine’s membership negotiations with the EU during its presidency of the EU Council,” said Wielichowska. She also said that Ukraine's membership in NATO was in the strategic interest of both.
“Poland is our strategic partner, not only economically but also in the context of international politics and security,” Ukraine’s Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Olena Kondratiuk said.
Historical tensions over Volhynia
Despite the show of unity, unresolved historical issues over the 1943-1944 Volhynia massacre were also discussed. The ethnic cleansing, carried out by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) against Polish civilians, remains a deeply contentious issue.
While Poland classifies the events as genocide, Ukraine often views the UPA primarily as anti-Soviet freedom fighters.
Poland has long sought permission to exhume the remains of the massacre’s victims from burial sites in Ukraine, but these efforts have stalled since a 2017 ban imposed by the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance. The ban followed the removal of a UPA monument in the Polish village of Hruszowice, which sparked protests in Kyiv.
Polish lawmaker Marek Sawicki urged for the resumption of exhumations, emphasizing the need for historical reconciliation. “The memory of the Volhynia genocide remains in the hearts of many Poles,” he said.
In response, Ukrainian MP Taras Batenko called for careful handling of historical wounds but insisted that the past should not hinder future cooperation. He proposed forming a joint intergovernmental group to resolve these issues through expert dialogue, adding that while wartime conditions make these discussions difficult, they remain important for bilateral relations.
Moving Forward Amidst Russian Aggression
Both sides agreed that, despite these unresolved historical disputes, cooperation was vital in countering the current threat posed by Russia. Poland has been at the forefront of efforts to provide Ukraine with military aid, including diplomatic efforts to facilitate Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range weapons.
However, Polish MP Marcin Bosacki said: “We need to start a dialogue, but full agreement is unlikely, because for you the UPA and Bandera are heroes of the fight against the Soviets, while for Poles they are figures whose organization caused the massacre of Poles in Volhynia. The historical perspective will not change, although it is worth discussing.
“However, the defusing of this historical bomb would be the return to the exhumation of the victims of the Volhynia massacre on your side of the border. This is due to the families of the victims, we ask you to understand this in a Christian way.”
Looking to the Future
Despite these challenges, the meeting reinforced the importance of Polish-Ukrainian solidarity. Both countries view their partnership as crucial to regional security, particularly as they confront Russian aggression. While historical tensions persist, leaders on both sides remain committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue aimed at future cooperation.
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