Ukraine is not halting exhumations in Poland despite the controversy
Ukraine has stated that it will continue to issue permits to Poland for exhumation and search operations, despite the intensifying historical disputes between the two countries. Officials in Kyiv emphasize that this process is ongoing and forms part of a broader dialogue between the two nations.
Despite periodic emotional tensions surrounding complex chapters of their shared history, Ukraine and Poland continue their practical work on search and exhumation, and Kyiv emphasizes that this process is not halted even amid political debates.
Georgiy Tykhyi, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Ukrainian side remains ready to grant permits to Polish specialists to carry out such work, as this is part of a long and sensitive process of historical dialogue between the two countries. “Right now, as we speak, another search operation is underway in Huta-Peniatska. In other words, this process continues even against the backdrop of all these public, highly heated discussions,” he noted, emphasizing that despite public disputes, practical cooperation continues.
According to Tykhyi, over the past year and a half, Ukraine and Poland have already been able to reach important agreements on resuming search and exhumation operations, which for years remained a sensitive and complex issue in bilateral relations. He emphasized that Kyiv continues to support this line of work and considers it important for mutual understanding between the peoples, and that historians, archives, and documentary research—not political emotions—should play a key role in this process.
Separately, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that the escalation of historical disputes between Ukraine and Poland is often exploited by third parties, particularly Russia, which has an interest in weakening the partnership between the two countries. “We call for finding reasons to unite and fight together against the enemy who wants to destroy both Ukraine and Poland,” he added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that preparations for the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, scheduled for June 25–26 in Gdańsk, are proceeding as planned, with no changes to the schedule, and Ukraine is counting on the event’s success.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced private consultations with Ukraine regarding the possible naming of one of the Special Operations Forces units “Heroes of the UPA.” According to him, this issue is being discussed in a diplomatic format.
Warsaw has reacted to the decision to rename the Ukrainian military unit. This concerns an elite unit of the Special Operations Forces, which, according to reports, has been named in honor of the Heroes of the UPA. This has sparked a critical reaction in Polish society and political circles.
