Poland and Ukraine have made progress in resolving their long-standing dispute over World War II massacres, which has been jeopardizing Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Ukraine has agreed to allow the exhumation of ethnic Poles killed during the war, marking a breakthrough in the negotiations. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Warsaw. This resolution is crucial for Ukraine’s EU accession process, as Poland will hold the EU presidency next year and wants to move forward quickly.
The dispute revolves around the 80-year-old massacres that occurred in the territory now belonging to Ukraine, where an estimated 100,000 ethnic Poles, including women and children, were killed by Ukrainian nationalists in the Volhynia region in 1943. While Kyiv acknowledges the atrocities, it has urged Warsaw not to politicize the issue and to seek a peaceful settlement. However, Sikorski’s linking of Ukraine’s accession to progress on the issue had angered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Now, with Ukraine’s agreement to allow the exhumation of the victims, there is hope for a peaceful resolution.
The resolution of this dispute is not only important for Poland and Ukraine but also for Ukraine’s EU aspirations. The issue had emerged as a potential stumbling block for Ukraine’s rapid accession to the EU. By making progress on this front, Ukraine can demonstrate its commitment to addressing historical issues and improve its chances of gaining EU membership. Poland’s upcoming EU presidency adds further impetus to resolve the matter swiftly.
Moving forward, both countries are now working on the practical details of the exhumation process. Ukraine has received assurances from Poland that Ukrainian memorials in Poland will receive due attention. This signifies a step towards reconciliation and a commitment to preserving the memory of the victims. The exhumation and search works will require cooperation and coordination between the two countries to ensure a respectful and thorough process.
In conclusion, the breakthrough in the dispute between Poland and Ukraine regarding the World War II massacres is a significant development. Ukraine’s agreement to allow the exhumation of the victims paves the way for a peaceful resolution and demonstrates progress towards resolving historical issues. This breakthrough is particularly important for Ukraine’s EU ambitions, as it removes a potential obstacle to its accession process. Poland’s upcoming EU presidency further emphasizes the need for swift action. Both countries are now working on the practical aspects of the exhumation process, signaling a commitment to cooperation and reconciliation.
