Volodymyr Zelensky’s statements regarding Volhynia are “a positive signal,” but they do not represent a breakthrough, according to the spokesperson for President Karol Nawrocki. Rafał Leśkiewicz pointed out that access to the archives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is not a new development, and that the real test will be concrete actions taken by the Ukrainian side.
As previously reported, on Friday Volodymyr Zelensky published a post stating that “Poland has provided significant support to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and we are grateful to Poland.”
He also announced that, during a meeting on Polish-Ukrainian relations, several key decisions had been agreed upon.
“First, there will be decisions in the diplomatic sphere. Second, all archives of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine concerning the tragic events in Volhynia during the 20th century will be opened. Third, decisions will be made to grant a significant number of additional permits for search and exhumation work, and together with the Polish side we must ensure greater capacity to carry out such work. Fourth, we discussed possible formats for expanding dialogue between the societies of Ukraine and Poland.”
The Ukrainian president made the announcement.
Leśkiewicz: A Positive Signal, But…
Speaking to Wirtualna Polska, President Karol Nawrocki’s spokesperson, Rafał Leśkiewicz, commented on Zelensky’s statement. He described the Ukrainian leader’s announcement as “a positive signal – especially the declaration regarding exhumation work, which President Karol Nawrocki had advocated during one of his meetings with the President of Ukraine.”
However, he added that “it must be said openly that the archives of the Security Service of Ukraine have been accessible for many years.” He stressed that these archives have not been unavailable to historians. Leśkiewicz also noted that he himself had led the Polish-Ukrainian historical working group within the Institute of National Remembrance for several years.
“We had no difficulty accessing all the documents that interested us and concerned various aspects of Polish-Ukrainian relations, including the Volhynia Massacre,” Rafał Leśkiewicz said. He added that the only “somewhat new” element was the reference to the archives of Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service, where “it is difficult to say” what materials are held.
At the same time, he emphasized that Karol Nawrocki’s decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from President Zelensky, following the naming of one of Ukraine’s military units after “UPA heroes,” was based on the diplomatic principle of reciprocity and was not directed against the Ukrainian nation.
Asked whether Zelensky’s announcement could improve relations between Warsaw and Kyiv, Leśkiewicz replied that two issues should be separated: current politics and historical matters.
“What is happening here and now – supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian Federation – is of fundamental importance. We should all support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian Federation while firmly pursuing our own historical issues.”
He added that Friday’s announcement by Zelensky was “the first positive signal” since the decision nearly six weeks ago to name one of Ukraine’s military units after UPA heroes.
“This situation should be closely monitored. It requires continuous contact with the Ukrainian side,” he concluded.