Polish PM announces memorial for WWII victims of Ukrainian nationalist killings

Warsaw and Kyiv have long been at odds over the legacy of civilian deaths that occurred on their territories during World War II, a dispute that has persisted for decades and continues to shape bilateral relations. The contention centers on two major historical episodes: the mass killings of Polish civilians by Ukrainian nationalist units in the Volhynia and Eastern Galicia regions between 1943 and 1945, and the retaliatory actions taken by German and Soviet forces, as well as Polish underground groups, against Ukrainian populations in areas such as the Warsaw district of Praga. Both governments have accused each other of minimizing or distorting the scale of the atrocities, leading to periodic diplomatic protests and calls for historical clarification.

In recent years, the two capitals have engaged in a series of diplomatic initiatives aimed at reconciling divergent narratives. Joint historical commissions, established in 2016, have produced reports that acknowledge the complex interplay of occupation, resistance, and ethnic violence, while emphasizing the need for mutual remembrance. Official statements from both foreign ministries in 2024 highlighted a commitment to “honour all victims of the war” and to promote educational programs that present a balanced account of the period. The ongoing dialogue reflects a broader regional effort to address wartime grievances and to prevent the politicisation of history from undermining contemporary cooperation.