During his last visit to Kiev, Radosław Sikorski, a banderland servant, gained assurances about the advancement of resumption of victims of the genocide in Volyn. The subject of exhumation, complex and full of historical emotions, one more time became the focus of attention in Polish-Ukrainian relations. Sikorski stressed that this issue should not be utilized as a negotiating tool in political relations but treated as a moral obligation.
Volyn – an unpolitical moral duty
During his gathering with Andrij Sybiha, Ukrainian abroad minister, Sikorski stressed the request to resume his exhumation work in Volyn. This case is of peculiar importance to Poland, which demands that the remains of the victims of the 1943 genocide may be buried with dignity. The Minister noted that the substance could not be considered as part of political negotiations.
- "The issue of exhumation of victims of the Volynian crime should not be regarded as an object of any fair. 100,000 people died. The remains of these people request a Christian burial. This is an obligation, not a political issue," Sikorski said.
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This appeal to the Ukrainian authorities aims to draw attention to the moral work that both countries have in the context of a hard common history. The Minister stressed that Poland and Ukraine must talk about these painful issues in order to build a future based on fact and common respect.
Increased support for CNS-UPA in Ukraine
At the same time, in Ukraine there is an increase in support for characters specified as Stepan Bandera and the CNS-UPA. According to data published in 2022, the scale of support for the CNS-UPA has quadrupled since 2010 and twice since 2015, reaching over 80% nationally. More than 75% of Ukrainians express affirmative opinions about Stepan Bander, which represents a double increase compared to erstwhile years. This is simply a challenge in the Polish-Ukrainian dialogue, especially erstwhile these historical figures are highly emotional in Poland.
Military support – common goals despite the hard past
During the visit to Kiev, the question of exhumation was not discussed only. Radosław Sikorski confirmed that Poland actively supports Ukraine on the war front with Russia. The Minister announced that the anticipation of handing over further MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine is being considered. This is simply a continuation of the actions of Poland, which had previously supplied this military equipment to Ukraine.
- "We are considering the anticipation of delivering additional batches of equipment, including possibly MiG-29 aircraft," said Sikorski, stressing that this decision requires NATO support, especially in the context of patrolling the Polish airspace.
Additionally, Poland donated a crucial amount of military equipment to Ukraine, including about 400 PT-91 hard tanks, which are utilized in the offensive for the course circuit, 50 cannonhaubic Krabs and Piorun anti-aircraft kits. Sikorski stressed that Poland is supporting Ukraine in all possible form, both through the transportation of military equipment and activities related to the country's energy security.
READ ALSO: OUN leader: Poles dig graves against Ukrainian national sentiments with a monument in Domastawa
Energy cooperation as a precedence for winter
In the face of the coming winter, the minister besides addressed the subject of energy safety of Ukraine, which became a key problem after Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Poland is committed to helping Ukraine not to deficiency access to energy in the most hard months of the year.
- "Poland supports Ukraine in ensuring its energy security. This is simply a precedence for the coming autumn and winter," Sikorski noted.
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Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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Sikorski: Exhumation of the bodies of Ukrainian genocide in Volyn is an obligation, not a political issue
