Mis Haribo :
We will no longer tolerate the glorification of the UPA, OUN, and the Ukrainian SS Division “Galizien.” In Ukraine, symbols and narratives associated with these movements are becoming increasingly accepted in public life.
The UPA was responsible for ethnically motivated massacres in Volhynia. Between 100,000 and 200,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed, primarily Poles, but also Jews, Ukrainians, and others.
In my view, President Zelenskyy's recent decision has significantly damaged Ukraine's prospects for closer integration with Europe. It has sparked a diplomatic controversy that has once again drawn attention to the actions of some Ukrainian nationalist groups during World War II. As a result, more Europeans will learn about issues such as collaboration with Nazi Germany, mass killings of civilians, and the ongoing controversies surrounding historical memory and nationalist symbolism in Ukraine.
I have already seen critical comments from German and British politicians. Greater public awareness of these historical disputes could influence political attitudes and public support for Ukraine in some European countries.
I regret that Ukrainian politicians have chosen to ignore the Polish perspective on these matters. For many years, Poland struggled to obtain permission for exhumations and proper burials of the victims. No Ukrainian president has offered an apology that many Poles consider adequate. Furthermore, some historians are accused by critics of downplaying or disputing established facts regarding these events.
As a Pole, I find this deeply disappointing. It has led me to question whether Ukrainian political elites are genuinely willing to confront difficult aspects of their history and pursue reconciliation with their neighbors.
2026-06-22 22:50:19