Volhynia massacre monument vandalized in Poland – Police investigating political provocation
Photo: Polish police (Getty Images)
Poland is investigating an act of vandalism at a monument to the victims of the Volhynia massacre, where unknown individuals spray-painted the phrase "Glory to UPA" and depicted a red-and-black flag, according to Polsat News.
The Polish prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into an act of vandalism at the Volhynia Tragedy monument located near the S19 expressway, not far from the Polish-Ukrainian border.
The incident has sparked public outcry both in Poland and abroad.
The monument was defaced with a red-and-black flag, banned in Poland due to its association with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), as well as the Cyrillic phrase "Слава УПА" ("Glory to UPA").
Police spokesperson Katarzyna Praczało in the town of Nisko stated: "Police are conducting an intensive investigation to identify those responsible for the damage."
The monument has evoked strong emotions within Polish society since its unveiling.
It was officially unveiled in July 2024 after prolonged controversy over its placement, largely due to its extremely graphic design. One of the most debated elements of the sculpture is the depiction of a child impaled on pitchforks, a symbol of the massacre of civilians during the Volhynia tragedy, particularly children.
Local authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the act of vandalism was politically or provocatively motivated. No one has yet claimed responsibility. The site is currently under police surveillance, and representatives of Polish right-wing political parties have already expressed outrage over the incident.
An official response from Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as from the Ukrainian side, is expected soon.
Volhynia Tragedy
During World War II, under Nazi occupation, several partisan groups operated in what is now Ukraine, including the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa). Both were active in the Volhynia region.
Between 1943 and 1944, ethnic violence between Ukrainians and Poles escalated into what is now referred to as the Volhynia tragedy. Around 30,000 Polish and approximately 10,000 Ukrainian civilians are estimated to have been killed.
In April, Ukraine began exhuming the remains of Polish citizens who were killed during the events of 1945.
