Polish-Ukrainian solidarity over Russian threat undermined by bitter historical dispute
Historical tensions regarding the 1943 Volyn massacre are straining the previously strong solidarity between Poland and Ukraine. Poland has threatened to block Ukraine's EU accession due to disagreements over how Kyiv honors historical figures associated with the UPA.
Why it matters
This dispute threatens regional stability and European unity in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
Marchers in Warsaw commemorate the 1943 Volyn massacre, in which the Ukrainian Insurgent Army killed about 100,000 Poles. Photograph: Marek Antoni Iwańczuk/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Marchers in Warsaw commemorate the 1943 Volyn massacre, in which the Ukrainian Insurgent Army killed about 100,000 Poles. Photograph: Marek Antoni Iwańczuk/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Ukraine Polish-Ukrainian solidarity over Russian threat undermined by bitter historical dispute Kyiv’s decision to honour second world war fighters who killed about 100,000 Poles has revived simmering tensions
Prefer the Guardian on Google I n the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Polish-Ukrainian solidarity emerged as one of the most heartwarming subplots of the Kremlin’s brutal war. Millions of Poles, remembering their country’s own tragic history with Russia, mobilised to help Ukrainian refugees with food, shelter and support as they crossed the border in huge numbers to flee the conflict.
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