Ukrainian MFA rips into Polish politician over comments on Volhynia Tragedy

Illustrative photo: 24tv.ua

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine labeled the head of Poland's Institute of National Remembrance and presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki an opportunist, calling his remarks that Ukraine's EU and NATO membership depends on Kyiv acknowledging responsibility for the Volhynia Massacre "manipulative." The Foreign Office issued its statement on the evening of January 9.

"We reject these biased and manipulative claims. Such statements show that the Polish politician places opportunistic considerations above his country's strategic interests, good-neighborly Ukrainian-Polish relations, and shared values of freedom, democracy, and justice," the response said.

Ukrainian diplomats urged Polish politicians not to use the topic of "difficult chapters of historical past" in domestic political battles.

The ministry accused Nawrocki of "playing into Moscow's hands," asserting that his statements "elicited applause in the Kremlin." According to them, "Moscow is still investing massive resources in attempts to undermine Ukrainian-Polish friendship and mutual understanding." They added, "It is unacceptable to make statements that support the enemy's efforts."

The ministry maintained that "regardless of the Polish politician's remarks, the reality is that Ukraine is already de facto and will de jure become part of the Euro-Atlantic family of nations and the broader European security architecture."

As the UOJ previously reported, the Polish presidential candidate stated that he does not currently see Ukraine as a member of the European Union or NATO, explaining his position by pointing to the unresolved issue of exhumation of the victims of the Volhynia Massacre.

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