Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Poland on Wednesday, marking a key moment in the resolution of a long-standing issue between the two nations. The two sides reached a deal on the exhumation of Polish victims of massacres carried out by Ukrainian nationalists during World War II.
The massacres and their legacy
The deal comes after months of tensions over the massacre victims, whose remains are buried in mass graves on Ukrainian soil. These killings date back to 1943-44, when Ukrainian nationalists slaughtered around 100,000 Poles in Volhynia and other regions that were then part of eastern Poland. The area is now part of Ukraine.
Tensions finally addressed
Zelenskyy’s visit follows recent announcements of progress on exhumations, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealing the deal only days earlier. It’s been a sensitive topic for many Poles, who are still haunted by the brutal massacres and the decades of silence around them.
A political flashpoint for Poland
The massacre occurred when Ukrainian nationalists, fighting for an independent Ukraine, sought to remove Polish communities from their land. Entire villages were burned down. Many innocent people were killed. Poland considers these events a genocide, and for years, it has pushed Ukraine for permission to exhume the victims and give them proper burials.
The pressure on Tusk
The situation has been tense. While Poland has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies during the ongoing Russian invasion, the massacre issue has caused bitterness. For many Poles, the memory of these killings is still fresh. Tensions simmered beneath the surface for decades, only to be reignited recently.
In Poland, the issue is politically charged. Tusk, who has been in power for over a year, faces pressure from both domestic and international fronts. He’s up for re-election in May, with a nationalist opposition candidate expected to give him a tough fight. To stay ahead, Tusk is emphasizing inclusivity and patriotism in an attempt to unite the country and prevent the nationalist conservatives from stealing the spotlight.
Exhumations set to begin in April
The exhumations, which are set to begin in April, will be a step forward in addressing the painful past. The Freedom and Democracy Foundation, a nongovernmental organization, is leading the effort to uncover and identify the victims.
Balancing historical sensitivities
While Poland has pushed hard for the exhumations, Ukraine has faced its own set of challenges. Some of the World War II-era Ukrainian nationalists responsible for the massacres are seen as heroes in Ukraine due to their role in the country’s fight for independence. This makes the issue especially delicate for the Ukrainian government.
But there are also political gains for Ukraine in resolving the issue. Poland holds the presidency of the European Union, a crucial role that will allow it to push Ukraine’s EU aspirations forward. By addressing the exhumations, Ukraine is strengthening its ties with Poland, ensuring continued support in the ongoing war against Russia.
Zelenskyy’s visit: a sign of commitment
Zelenskyy’s visit is a signal of Ukraine’s commitment to addressing the past while also securing a future with Poland by its side. The decision to start exhumations, announced by Tusk on social media, marks a breakthrough. “Finally, a breakthrough,” Tusk wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We are waiting for further decisions.”
Reconciliation efforts from Ukraine
Ukraine’s parliament has also made moves to reconcile. In May 2023, Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of Ukraine’s parliament, spoke in the Polish parliament. He emphasized the equal value of all human life, regardless of nationality or background. This gesture, he said, was key to future cooperation between the two nations. Stefanchuk’s words are a reminder that cooperation is essential, even in the face of painful history.
With the exhumations set to begin, this moment marks a turning point. Both countries are moving forward from a turbulent chapter in their shared past. The exhumation agreement serves as a small but significant step toward healing.
