Ukraine seeks to ease tensions with Poland after award row | Ukraine news - EUROPE SAYS
Tusk reported encouraging signals after Warsaw meetings, but outcomes remain uncertain and historical disputes could still complicate future relations. In Warsaw, Ukraine is seeking ways to ease tensions. . .
Tusk reported encouraging signals after Warsaw meetings, but outcomes remain uncertain and historical disputes could still complicate future relations. In Warsaw, Ukraine is seeking ways to ease tensions between Kyiv and Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday, stressing that the neighbor to the east must approach its history with understanding in order to move toward a European future on the path to the EU. The diplomatic relations between the two countries have endured the worst crisis since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskiy of Poland’s highest honor. Nawrocki explained his move in light of the naming of a military unit after insurgents who carried out mass crimes against Poles during World War II. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Nawrocki’s political opponent, has made efforts toward reconciliation and noted that he received positive signals after Friday’s meeting between Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski in Warsaw. I don’t know the results of the meeting, but I have signals that the Ukrainian side is seeking ways to reduce tensions. – Donald TuskWorking on History and DialogueIn a separate press conference, Sikorski declined to disclose details of the meeting, noting only that diplomacy favors silence. Diplomacy favors silence. – Radoslaw SikorskiAndrii Sybiha wrote on X that he proposed a “package of anti-crisis steps,” which includes organizing a meeting of World War II historians and engaging religious leaders in dialogue. At the same time, he did not hint at changing the name of the aforementioned military unit. “We respect others’ history, and we expect the same approach to our history and independence from our partners,” he wrote in the post. We respect others’ history, and we expect the same approach to our history and independence from our partners. – Andrii SybihaIn the context of discussions about historical wounds in Volhynia, mention is made of the UPA’s involvement in a series of mass killings in 1943–1945, as Poland estimates the deaths of around 100,000 Poles due to actions of Ukrainian nationalists. Also noted are casualties on both sides during repression and retaliation. Despite differences, both sides emphasize the need to continue the dialogue, focusing on historical memory and opportunities for cooperation within the context of European integration and regional stability. Tags:AktualnościAndrii Sybihadonald tusk warsawhistorical dialogueNewspolandpolskaRadoslaw Sikorskiukraine poland tensionsukraine poland tensions donald tusk warsaw historical dialogue andrii sybiha radoslaw sikorski