Polish Defence Minister Comments on Zelenskyy's Promises to Open Archives and Enable Further Exhumations

Polish Defence Minister Responds to Zelenskyy's Statement

Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has expressed hope that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's promises to open archives, permit further exhumations, and engage in dialogue will turn into concrete actions. The minister made the statement on X (formerly Twitter), as reported by European Pravda.

On July 17, Zelenskyy announced that preparations are underway for new steps in relations with Poland, particularly on historical issues, including opening archives and search-and-exhumation work in Volyn.

Dialogue and Commemoration

Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that every statement bringing the resolution of difficult issues between Poland and Ukraine closer deserves attention. He added that Poland has prioritised dialogue and the commemoration of the victims of the Volyn tragedy from the outset.

The Volyn tragedy refers to a series of events leading to the ethnic cleansing of Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. Poland considers this tragedy a genocide of Poles.

Common Enemy

The minister pointed out that today Poland and Ukraine share a common enemy: Russia. He emphasised that the threat to their order comes from Russia, and discord between their peoples serves the Kremlin's interests.

Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk welcomed Zelenskyy's decision on Ukrainian-Polish relations.