Polish Foreign Minister responds to media reports of conflict with Zelenskyy
Photo: Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (Getty Images)
In Poland, “there is a national consensus” on the exhumation of the victims of the Volhynia tragedy. The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received assurances from Ukraine that the issue will be resolved, stated Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
What preceded
On September 17, Onet, citing sources, reported that Zelenskyy surprised the Polish delegation when he “did not communicate in the best way” with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during a meeting in Kyiv on September 13. The atmosphere was allegedly tense and close to an argument.
Sikorski’s statement
"Three weeks ago, during my speech in Kyiv, I received assurances that the issue (of the exhumation of the victims of the Volhynia tragedy - ed.) would be resolved. We want this not to irritate Ukraine, but to ensure Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation and an alliance without this sensitive issue," Sikorski said.
He also vividly recalled the argument with President Zelenskyy during his visit to Kyiv in September.
When asked whether Zelenskyy understood his message and if there was indeed a conflict, Sikorski replied: "I can certainly stand my ground. We will see through their actions."
Sikorski also noted that the exhumation is being sought by, among others, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia, and Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Background
Recently, Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Warsaw should not approve Ukraine's membership in the European Union until the issue of the 1943 Volhynia tragedy is resolved. He believes that in light of Ukraine’s European integration, Poland's government should issue an ultimatum.
Meanwhile, President Andrzej Duda has opposed blocking Ukraine’s accession to the EU over the Volhynia tragedy.
