Polish President Andrzej Duda has leveled accusations against Russia for what he perceives as a distortion of history during a commemorative ceremony marking the 84th anniversary of the onset of the Second World War. Speaking early on Friday morning at Westerplatte, near Gdansk, where the first shots of the war were fired on September 1, 1939, when a German battleship bombarded a Polish garrison, Duda expressed his concerns.
In his speech, President Duda asserted that some individuals were attempting to manipulate historical narratives, with a specific emphasis on experts, predominantly of Russian origin, and Russian authorities who he believes are endeavoring to rewrite history. He firmly declared, “Nothing will change history, nothing will change the historical truth, nothing will fortunately change the documents that are still there, the photos of German, Nazi and Russian, Soviet soldiers embracing and smiling at each other; a red star along with a swastika, and both wanted to rule over Europe and over the nations.”
President Duda’s comments also touched on the bloodshed in Central Europe, referring to the historical conflicts involving Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, suggesting a connection to the Soviet invasion and occupation of neighboring states. He pointed out, “earlier this land – the land of Central Europe, the land of Poles, Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians had been soaked with blood.”
Poland has consistently accused Russia of downplaying and potentially whitewashing, the Soviet invasion of Poland and the Baltic states, along with the subsequent brutal occupation. These accusations have grown in significance in recent times, particularly in light of claims that the Kremlin is employing its unique historical perspective to provide a historical justification for its actions in Ukraine.