Polish-Ukrainian solidarity, which surged after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has eroded over a bitter historical dispute concerning the 1943 Volyn massacre. The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) killed about 100,000 Poles in Volyn, then part of Poland. Tensions reignited when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored UPA fighters, prompting Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip Zelenskyy of a state award in June.
Dispute Over Historical Memory
The UPA is remembered in Ukraine for fighting Soviet rule, while its role in massacring Poles and Jews is downplayed. Poland views the killings as genocide. Nawrocki stated, "Praising genocide or turning a blind eye is an invitation to commit further genocide," during a July 12 anniversary speech. In response, Ukrainian officials returned Polish decorations, and Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, declared, "No one will ever again dictate to Ukrainians which heroes to honor."
Political Fallout
Nawrocki's hardline stance has boosted his popularity; a recent Onet poll showed his trust ratings rose to 55%, up 8% from the previous month. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a "wall of memory" listing Volyn victims and suggested Ukraine must confront its history to join the EU. Tusk said, "Reconciliation in Europe after WWII was possible because of truth... Those who want to join this community have to be ready for that truth."
Broader Tensions
Underlying resentments include Polish lorry drivers blocking Ukrainian trucks in late 2023 and Polish border treatment of Ukrainians. Olha, a Kyiv graphic designer, said, "Every time I am entering Poland I feel my whole body shaking with rage at the way they look at us." Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak noted, "Poland has a memory warrior in power," referring to Nawrocki. He added, "The miracle has been shattered. Where it goes from here could be very dangerous."
Efforts at Reconciliation
Despite a one-hour talk between Zelenskyy and Nawrocki at a NATO summit in Turkey, no agreement was reached. Former Polish ambassador Bartosz Cichocki predicted the relationship will recover to mutual interest but lack warmth. Hrytsak urged patience, saying, "All national reconciliation occurred after wars, not during them." Karolina Romanowska of the Polish-Ukrainian Reconciliation Association expressed disappointment, noting many Ukrainians were shocked to learn about the massacre.
