The Chancellery of the President of Poland has responded positively to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement regarding the expansion of permits for search and exhumation works related to the Volhynian tragedy. According to Wirtualna Polska, presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz stated that Warsaw anticipates the beginning of a systematic and long-term cooperation between the two nations on this delicate issue.
Leśkiewicz emphasized that Ukraine’s readiness to increase the number of permits is a significant step forward. Poland hopes that, following meetings between the presidents, this process will become institutionalized and systematic. He also pointed out that the archives of the Security Service of Ukraine have been accessible for years, providing Polish historians with the necessary access to documents regarding Polish-Ukrainian relations during the tragic events of 1943.
While historical memory remains a priority for Warsaw, the Polish side stresses that these historical discussions do not diminish their unwavering support for Ukraine in the war against Russian aggression. As emphasized by the official, providing aid to Ukraine is a fundamental strategic interest for both NATO and the European Union, a commitment that remains unbreakable regardless of ongoing historical debates.
The Polish government has reiterated that it will continue to advocate for its positions on historical memory while simultaneously ensuring that assistance to Kyiv remains uninterrupted. This delicate balance reflects a mature partnership that prioritizes regional security and sovereign integrity. Recent efforts to locate and rebury the remains of victims in former villages such as Ostrówki and Wola Ostrowiecka serve as a testament to the practical progress being made on the ground.
By addressing these historical wounds through professional investigation and mutual respect, Kyiv and Warsaw are working to strengthen their bilateral relations, ensuring that common goals for a secure Europe prevail over the divisive narratives that hostile actors often attempt to exploit. This diplomatic approach reaffirms that both nations are committed to building a future together, grounded in truth, reconciliation, and continued military and political solidarity.