The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the Polish Sejm’s resolution regarding the Volhynia tragedy
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has taken note of the Polish Sejm’s adoption of yet another resolution marking the anniversary of the tragic events in Volhynia in 1943–1944. The ministry stated that it looks forward to a constructive and professional dialogue between the two countries, as well as the continuation of joint search and exhumation efforts.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that on July 11, the Ukrainian side paid tribute at the highest level to all victims of the Volhynia tragedy. High-ranking Ukrainian and Polish officials honored the memory of the innocently killed Ukrainians and Poles on the territory of both countries.
The ministry noted that the truth about the past can be established solely through a scientific approach. Ukraine also values Poland as one of its closest allies in confronting Russian aggression, and the pain of the past, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should not divide peoples united by shared values, a common enemy, and a shared European future.
The Ukrainian side stated that it will continue to adhere to a balanced approach. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for an equal footing in bilateral relations, mutual respect for national memory policies, and pragmatic good-neighborly relations.
According to PAP data cited by “European Truth,” on July 17, the Polish Sejm unanimously supported a resolution honoring “the memory of the victims of the genocide committed against Poles by Ukrainian nationalists” in 1939–1947. The document emphasizes the importance of the ongoing process of searching for, exhuming, and giving a dignified burial to the victims. The resolution also expresses gratitude and respect for Ukrainians who, according to the text, risked their lives to save Poles, and reaffirms the desire to live with dignity and in friendship with the Ukrainian nation.
