Memory of the Volhynia massacre

Between 1943 and 1945, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) launched a cruel campaign to purge Volhynia and the Eastern Borderlands of the Polish minority. It was guided by nationalistic inclinations. The UPA was merciless even towards women and children. Researchers have struggled for years to determine the exact number of victims. Today, historians report as many as tens of thousands of Poles brutally deprived of their lives. Many of them still lie in mass graves.
"This is my obligation. I will not rest until we find the last grave, the last burial place of those murdered in Volhynia and the entire Eastern Borderlands," said the Prime Minister.

Polish-Ukrainian relations today

"We must not give in to the temptation of a false reconciliation, but we must also realise that it is in the interests of Russia and Moscow to divide Poles and Ukrainians again. This age-old hatred, which has long since taken roots in our hearts and poisoned the relations between us, is in the interest of whoever wants to deprive us and Ukraine of freedom and sovereignty," stressed the Prime Minister.

Today it is Ukraine that is suffering cruelty at the hands of Russia. It is fighting for its independence in the face of hateful Russian nationalism. The Ukrainians are fighting not only for their freedom, but also for ours and that of the entire Western Europe. A conflict between Poland and Ukraine today would only benefit Russia.
 

Starting point for reconciliation

Therefore, reconciliation is now crucial for both countries. It can only be achieved through the truth, even the most inconvenient truth, about the Volhynian crime. It is through a genuine agreement that Poland and Ukraine can look towards a better future together.
“There will be no reconciliation based on falsehood, on erasure, on lies. There cannot be. This must be the starting point and it is the starting point for reconciliation," said the Prime Minister.
 

The future of Poland and Ukraine

The current situation made us realise that Ukraine and Poland are stronger together. This chance for a better future for both countries has now appeared as Ukraine heroically defends its country in the face of Russian aggression and Poland supports it.

“This unique opportunity to base the future not on grudges, resentment, lies, but on the truth, the future and a common strength, a strength that is greater when it is shared, strength that was born right now, with the fight against this nationalist Russian order,” said the Prime Minister.
 

National Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Genocide

Today we commemorate the events of 11 and 12 July 1943, when the Ukrainian Insurgent Army attacked Polish residents in around 150 villages. It took advantage of the fact that people gathered in churches on Sundays - hence the event is referred to as "Bloody Sunday". The Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Genocide was established by a resolution of the Polish Parliament of 22 July 2016.