The Polish government has announced its intention to block Ukraine's accession to the European Union until the issue of the Volyn tragedy is resolved. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosyniak-Kamysh made this statement in an interview for Wirtualna Polska, noting that "Ukraine will not join the European Union if it does not resolve the Volyn issue."
Kosyniak-Kamysh emphasized that military aid to Ukraine is an important aspect of humanity and security, but economic and historical issues must also be clarified. He expressed his disagreement with the previous statement of Polish President Andrzej Duda, who noted that blocking Ukraine's entry would be "part of Putin's policy." The Deputy Prime Minister claims that when joining the EU, it is important to take into account the values of historical truth, reconciliation with the past and respect for other peoples with whom the country wants to be in the Union.
This statement provoked a reaction from the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, which has already announced its intention to search for the victims of the Volyn tragedy in the Rivne region for exhumation.
The Volyn tragedy, which occurred during the Second World War, remains a sensitive issue in the relations between Poland and Ukraine, and its resolution is an important step for Ukraine's further integration into European structures.
