Poland passes resolution on Volhynia tragedy anniversary: How Ukraine reacted
Photo: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry comments on Polish Sejm resolution (Getty Images)
Ukraine has responded to a new resolution adopted by Poland's Sejm marking the anniversary of the Volhynia tragedy, calling on Warsaw to engage in an equal and constructive dialogue, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said it had taken note of the Polish Sejm's adoption of another resolution commemorating the anniversary of the tragic events in Volhynia.
The ministry recalled that on July 11, Ukraine had already honored all victims of the Volhynia tragedy at the highest state level. Senior Ukrainian and Polish officials paid tribute to innocent Ukrainians and Poles who lost their lives, both in Ukraine and in Poland.
Call for dialogue
Ukraine said it expects a constructive and professional dialogue with Poland, as well as the continuation of joint search and exhumation efforts on the territory of both countries. The Foreign Ministry stressed that the truth about the past can only be established through a scientific approach.
The ministry also emphasized that Ukraine values Poland as one of its closest allies in resisting Russian aggression.
"The pain of the past should not divide nations that are united today by shared values, a common enemy, and a common European future. The Ukrainian side will continue to adhere to a principle of parity," the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry called for equal treatment in bilateral relations, mutual respect for both countries' national memory policies, and pragmatic good-neighborly relations for the benefit of a strong Ukraine and a strong Poland.
On July 11, commemorative events marking the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynia tragedy took place in Volhynia, with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz among those participating.
Earlier, the Polish Sejm held the first reading of a presidential bill that would introduce criminal liability for publicly promoting the ideology of the OUN (Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists) and UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army). In response, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry urged Warsaw to refrain from taking steps that could escalate tensions.
