Poland, Ukraine likely to issue joint statement on Volhynia tragedy

By Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Poland and Ukraine are likely to issue a joint statement on the 80th anniversary of the massacres of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia.

The statement is expected to be issued during a meeting between Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on July 11.

The massacres were carried out by Ukrainian nationalists from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and took place between 1943 and 1944.

The exact number of victims is unknown, but estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000.

The massacres have been a source of tension between Poland and Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

In recent years, there have been several attempts to improve relations between the two countries, but the issue of the Volhynia massacres remains a sensitive one.

The joint statement is expected to be a step forward in the process of reconciliation between Poland and Ukraine.

Background

• The massacres of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia were carried out by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) between 1943 and 1944.
• The exact number of victims is unknown, but estimates range from 50,000 to 100,000.
• The massacres have been a source of tension between Poland and Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
• In recent years, there have been several attempts to improve relations between the two countries, but the issue of the Volhynia massacres remains a sensitive one.

Significance

• The joint statement is expected to be a step forward in the process of reconciliation between Poland and Ukraine.
• It is also expected to help improve relations between the two countries.

Challenges

• The issue of the Volhynia massacres is a sensitive one, and there may be resistance to the joint statement from some quarters.
• The statement may also be seen as a concession by one side or the other, which could lead to further tension.

Conclusion

The joint statement is a significant step forward in the process of reconciliation between Poland and Ukraine.

It is also expected to help improve relations between the two countries.

However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, and it is important to approach the issue with sensitivity and understanding.